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Related Experiment Videos

Trap-mulching Argentine ants.

Jules Silverman1, Clyde E Sorenson, Michael G Waldvogel

  • 1Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7613, USA. jules_silverman@ncsu.edu

Journal of Economic Entomology
|October 28, 2006
PubMed
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Trap-mulching, a novel Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) management strategy, showed limited success in field tests. This approach, using repellent cedar mulch and insecticide-treated pine mulch, did not significantly reduce ant nests or foraging long-term.

Area of Science:

  • Urban Entomology
  • Pest Management

Background:

  • Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) management is challenging due to their polydomous nature and extensive distribution in urban environments, often utilizing mulch for nesting.
  • Trap-mulching, adapted from trap-cropping, aims to consolidate ants into smaller, treatable areas.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To field-test the efficacy of trap-mulching for managing Argentine ants around ornamental trees.
  • To evaluate the impact of different trap-mulch configurations on ant foraging and nest distribution.

Main Methods:

  • A novel trap-mulching strategy was implemented using aromatic cedar (Juniperus spp.) mulch as a repellent and pine (Pinus spp.) needle mulch as a trap treated with fipronil (0.06%).
  • Field trials compared trap-mulch designs (trunk-to-edge vs. circular band) against untreated controls.

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  • Ant foraging activity and nest presence within mulch were monitored over time.

    • Main Results:

    • The trap-mulch strategy, particularly when applied as a circular band around tree trunks, showed temporary reductions in foraging ants for up to 14 days.
    • No significant differences in the number of ant nests within mulch were observed between trap-mulch treatments and controls.
    • Poor results were noted when the trap extended from the tree trunk to the entire mulched area edge.

    Conclusions:

    • Trap-mulching offers limited benefits for Argentine ant management in urban landscapes.
    • Successful Argentine ant control likely necessitates complementary or alternative pest management strategies beyond trap-mulching.