The study of neonicotinoids baits on susceptible laboratory culture of pharaoh ants

Abstract

Comparative efficacy of neonicotinoid-based baits (thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, acetamiprid) intended for control of the Pharaoh ant was studied. The death of workers, queens and brood occurs within 2–4 weeks. The minimum effective concentrations of thiamethoxam and imidacloprid in granulated sugar, which ensure the death of ant colonies in the presence and absence of an alternative food, were revealed. Under laboratory conditions, when the colonies of the Pharaoh ant were fed with such baits, after 4 weeks of the experiment the depletion of the colony was noted (death of queens was 75–100 %, and critical decrease in the number of live workers and brood was occured). Dry sugar baits based on 0.1–1.0 % acetamiprid have no significant effect on the viability of the ant colony.