Tag Archives: ant control

269-272 A. Lind, A.-J. Martin, Ü. Aron, K. Hiiesaar, E. Koskor and T. Lukas
Development and control of mound nests of black garden ant (Lasius niger) in farmland
Abstract |

Development and control of mound nests of black garden ant (Lasius niger) in farmland

A. Lind, A.-J. Martin, Ü. Aron, K. Hiiesaar, E. Koskor and T. Lukas

Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,Estonian University of Life Sciences,64 Kreutzwaldi St., 51014 Tartu, Estonia; e-mail: ave.lind@mail.ee

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to investigate development of mound nests of Lasius niger treated with ant repellents compared with untreated habitats in agricultural landscapes. The research was carried out in Kiidjärve, Põlva County, in 2004. After transferring a group of ant colonies to new locations, some small new nests had been slowly rebuilt on nest bases which had not been treated with repellents. The nest bases treated with repellents were abandoned, and new mounds were not restored in those locations. After treating the interior of undamaged nests with injections of tobacco dust and a water solution of Fairy (a liquid soap used for dishwashing), tobacco dust, and Cayenne pepper, the colonies started to weaken and the mound increase was negative. The height and diameter of the untreated control nests increased. Test results indicate that the best way to eliminate Lasius niger and other soil-living ants is to transplant the nests to new sites, then treat transplanted nest bases with repellents. It is necessary to transplant the subterranean part of the nest with hibernation chambers, including removal of the queens and worker ants taking care of them. The treatment of nest interiors with repellents (tobacco dust, Cayenne pepper) caused weakening of the colony, elimination of the brood growth and decrease of the building activity.

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