Control of crazy ant, Paratrechina fulva (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), with toxic baits at Natural Reserve Laguna de Sonso (Valle, Colombia).

Abstract

Crazy ant (Paratrechina fulva) has become an important pest at Natural Reserve Laguna de Sonso. This species attacks animals, both invertebrates and small vertebrates, and affects plants because of its symbiotic relationship with homopteran insects. Traditional chemical control with pesticides is not recommended due to the nature of this wetland and its importance as a conservation site. Between July and August 1994, laboratory and field assays were carried out to test the efficiency of a chitin synthesis inhibitor (Diflubenzuron) for the control of P. fulva. The toxicant was incorporated in an artificial diet made of meat, eggs, and gelatin. This mixture acts as a selective bait, very attractive for these ants. An important increase in adult workers and broodís mortality was observed after treatment under laboratory conditions. In the field, a significant decrease in the number of nests and the number of workers attracted to the baits was obtained after control at five experimental stations Recolonization by native ant species was also observed at these experimental locations after baiting. We suggest the possibility of including the use of toxíc baits with Diflubenzuron as an important part of a management program for crazy ant.