Aerial baiting to control leaf-cutting ants (Formicidae, Attini) in Trinidad. II. Field application, nest mortality and the effect on other animals

Abstract

AbstractAircraft were used to apply a bait containing aldrin, soyabean oil and citrus meal against leaf-cutting ants (Acromyrmex octospinosus (Reich) and Atta cephalotes (L.)) in Trinidad. The distribution patterns of bait applied by different aircraft were measured. Plain bait applied at 2.2 kg/ha to an uncultivated island in the dry season destroyed 91% of nests of Acromyrmex, and waterproofed bait applied in the wet season to cultivated land on the mainland destroyed 85%. Small nests of Atta were also destroyed by this treatment but large nests in forest required much heavier dosages applied to the nest itself. Lizards and crabs living in the baited areas were contaminated with aldrin but there was no evidence to show that they were harmed.