Liquid bait delivery systems for controlling Argentine ants in citrus groves (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Two liquid bait delivery systems containing 1 x 10 - 4 % thiamethoxam + 25% sucrose water were evaluated for controlling Argentine ants, Linepithema humile (Mayr) in citrus orchards. Both delivery systems were effective atreducing the number of foraging ants by >60% over the three-month duration of treatment. Evaporative water loss from both delivery systems was measured, and the implications for bait efficacy are discussed. Compared to ant control with contact insecticides, the bait delivery systems use less insecticide at lower concentration and have the additional advantage of minimizing collateral damage to beneficial insects that provide biological control of homopteran pests.