By: Clay W. Scherer Ph.D.
Baits can be very effective at controlling ant infestations. However, to use baits successfully requires the PMP to a have reasonable understanding of species identification, ant feeding preferences, and how these preferences are influenced. Understanding ant diets allows a pest management professional (PMP) to make better decisions regarding appropriate bait selection.
Ant diets, amazingly so, are similar to humans. They all have a varying level of need or desire for carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Carbohydrates, sourced by ants from honeydew in nature, serve as energy for activities such as foraging and defense of the colony.
In an effort to store energy, and for a variety of additional physiological machinery, ants target the lipids derived from other insects or seeds. Also, these other insects can serve as a form of protein that is necessary for reproduction and the development of eggs and larvae.
When considering ant diets, there are two key things PMPs should recognize:
1. The species can have individual preference for a specific component, and
2. The seasonality effect, if any, on their feeding preferences.
Species Preference – Studies have shown that, although ants need carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, their level of preference varies across species. The following can serve as a general reference for diet preference to aid in determining what may be attracting the ants to the area as well as which bait product to use to target the particular pest infestation (Modified from Mallis, 2001):
Acrobat
Argentine
Carpenter Crazy
Ghost
Honey
Odorous House
Pyramid
White-footed
Seasonal Impact – As the seasons change, ant behavior and colony needs also change. Research indicates ants can also exhibit a varying level of desire for a particular food source as a result of changing seasons. Spring is a period when most ant colonies are focused on reproduction and developing the colony. Thus, spring is a period when ants forage for both lipids and protein, which provide for energy storage and reproduction, respectively. Later, as summer and fall approach, the ant colony focuses its need on sustaining the larger population and its growing need for energy through carbohydrates. These varying needs mean that within certain ant species, a PMP may find seasonal changes in feeding behavior that will impact the effectiveness of different baits.
PMPs should select bait products to most effectively target these challenging ant foraging behaviors; however, it is understandable that PMPs would also want to minimize the number of products on hand. Ideally, finding an ant bait formulation that offers the right balance of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, like the bait matrix found in DuPont™ Advion® ant bait arenas, could serve to minimize the need for carrying multiple versions of containerized bait products and optimize the chance for successful ant attraction and consumption during the first service call. PMPs should also ensure the bait is placed along foraging trails and near nesting sites to ensure rapid attraction and more effective control.
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