Directed Sprays and Liquid Baits to Manage Ants in Vineyards and Citrus Groves 1

Abstract

Chemical treatments were evaluated for efficacy against spe- cific ant pests in two perennial field crop systems. A directed spray of Lorsban applied in grape vineyards resulted in significant reductions of Formica per- pilosa Wheeler (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) for 9 wk. Significant reductions in the number of foraging Argentine ants, Linepithema humile (Mayr) (Hy- menoptera: Formicidae), were obtained in citrus for the 4-mo duration of a test with a liquid bait delivery system containing either 0.0001% fipronil or thia- methoxam in 25% sucrose water.