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Liquid baits control Argentine ants sustainably in coastal vineyards
Authors
Erik H. NelsonMark C. Battany
Kent M. Daane
Michael K. Rust
Lucia G. Varela
Monica L. Cooper
Neil D. Tsutsui
Authors Affiliations
E.H. Nelson is Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, UC Berkeley; M.C. Battany is Farm Advisor, UCCE San Luis Obispo County; K.M. Daane is Cooperative Extension Specialist, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, UC Berkeley; M.K. Rust is Professor, Department of Entomology, UC Riverside; L.G. Varela is Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Advisor, UC Statewide IPM Program and UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Sonoma County; M. L. Cooper is Staff Research Associate, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, UC Berkeley; N.D. Tsutsui is Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, UC Berkeley.Publication Information
Hilgardia 62(4):177-183. DOI:10.3733/ca.v062n04p177. October 2008.
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Abstract
Liquid ant baits are an alternative to broad-spectrum insecticide sprays conventionally used to control Argentine ants. We review the development of liquid ant baits, which capitalize on the ants' sugar-feeding requirements and social structure to deliver small doses of toxicant throughout the colony. The ant bait program described here, developed for commercial vineyards, also has the potential to facilitate the use of biological controls for mealybug and scale pests. The implementation of an Argentine ant bait program will enable grape growers to target other pests more selectively with insecticides, further contributing to their sustainable viticulture practices.
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