Dieldrin for the Control of the Argentine Ant in Western Australia

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Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3 Western Australia, Series 3

Volume 5

Number 1 January-February, 1956 Article 16

1-1956

The effectiveness of dieldrin for control of the Argentine ant in The effectiveness of dieldrin for control of the Argentine ant in Western Australia

Western Australia

P. N. Forte T. Greaves

Follow this and additional works at: https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/journal_agriculture3

Recommended Citation Recommended Citation

Forte, P. N. and Greaves, T. (1956) "The effectiveness of dieldrin for control of the Argentine ant in Western Australia," Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3: Vol. 5: No. 1, Article 16.

Available at: https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/journal_agriculture3/vol5/iss1/16

This article is brought to you for free and open access by the Agriculture at Digital Library. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3 by an authorized administrator of Digital Library. For more information, please contact [email protected].

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Fig. 1.—Spraying a typical backyard showing application of chemicals to rails or fence and to rubbish heap

The Effectiveness of

Dieldrin for the Control of the Argentine Ant in Western Australia

By P. N. FORTE, Senior Entomologist, Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, and T. GREAVES, Senior Research Officer, Division of Entomology,

C.S.I.R.O., Canberra

T

HE results of three experiments to compare insecticides for the eradication of Argentine a n t s are reported. The areas used for the tests were typical household allotments in Shenton Park, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. The methods of application of sprays and evaluation of results were the same as described in a previous paper. (Forte & Greaves 1953.)

Sprays containing 2% dieldrin applied i n November, 1951, eradicated a n t s from

household allotments and prevented r e -

infestation from a n adjacent swamp for over three years; chlordane a n d aldrin were not so persistent.

85

Journal of agriculture Vol. 5 1956

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*

D

i

C

i

A.

B f

BACK GARDEN

HOUSE

G A R A G E

FRONT GARDEN

F O O T P A T H

N A T U R E S T R I P

ROADWAY

Fig. 2—Positions in household lots examined for presence of ants. A—Area between street, kerb and front fence- B—area between house and front fence; C—areas at both sides of house; D—area between back wall of house and

half-way to back fence; E—area extending to back fence

86

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In the experiment begun in March, 1953, there was no significant difference between 0.5% dieldrin, 1.0% dieldrin and 2%

chlordane, which were all very effective;

0.5% aldrin, 1% aldrin and 2% DDT as

"Rucide" were inferior.

A third experiment designed to compare 0.5%, 0.375%, 0.25% and 0.125% dieldrin sprays against t h e Argentine a n t was begun in February 1954. The sprays were applied at a rate varying from 62 to 71 gallons per acre, according to the condition of t h e allotments. No a n t s were in t h e areas treated with 0.5% and 0.375%

dieldrin after 62 weeks, while very good control was obtained with 0.25% dieldrin.

The 0.125% spray did not give satisfactory control.

INTRODUCTION

Earlier experiments in Western Austra- lia (Forte and Greaves 1953) have shown t h a t 2% chlordane was a very effective insecticide for the control of the Argentine ant, and t h a t aldrin and dieldrin at the same concentrations appeared to be equally effective a n d lasted longer. The control with these insecticides was so complete t h a t they offered a possibility of eradicating the a n t in any of its various habitats.

An experiment was planned in 1953 to compare lower concentrations of dieldrin and aldrin with chlordane and DDT (in t h e form of "Rucide").

THE 1953 EXPERIMENT

This experiment was carried out at Shenton Park, Western Australia, where a suitable area was available. The total area treated was 20 acres.

(a) Treatments.

The six t r e a t m e n t s selected included DDT in the form of "Rucide" which was reported to be more effective against ants t h a n the ordinary DDT emulsions. The t r e a t m e n t s were:—

(1) Aldrin ....

(2) Aldrin (3) Dieldrin (4) Dieldrin (5) Chlordane

(6) DDT (as "Rucide")

% 0.5 1.0 0.5 1.0 2.0 2.0

1

(b) Design.

As in previous experiments, a r a n - domised block design was used having three replications of six t r e a t m e n t s . The plot size was six household blocks; each plot was protected by a buffer area.

(c) Procedure.

The sprays were applied on March 23- 25, 1953, using the same methods and equipment as in previous work (Forte and Greaves 1953); the conditions were warm and fine.

The amount of spray used per acre for each treatment was in direct relationship to the state of the household allotments treated. For instance, where an allotment had many grape-vines and trees much more spray was used t h a n if there were no trees. The amounts were, therefore, such as were considered necessary to eliminate the Argentine a n t from the areas if the concentrations were to be effective and comparable with 2% chlordane.

The buffer areas were sprayed with 2%

chlordane, as were the lanes and the op- posite side of the street surrounding the whole experimental site, so as to prevent ants permanently invading the site.

(d) Sampling.

The results were first assessed one week after the sprays were applied; two other examinations were made before the winter of 1953, with further examinations in late spring and mid summer. The method of sampling consisted of a close examination of each household allotment and recording ants present or absent for each of the five areas, viz., A.B.C.D.E., shown in Fig.

2. This provided for an area "A" a t the front of the allotment, an area "E" at the rear and three central positions B.C.D., t h a t should be free of a n t s temporarily invading from adjacent areas despite the buffer treatment -with chlordane.

While it was essential t h a t each examination should be made in conditions when ants were active, these conditions also favour the invasion of a n t s into the area.

The final examination was made after a period of maximum a n t activity.

of agriculture Vol. 5 1956

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Fig. 3.—Method of spraying a tree. Note position of nozzle. This prevents spray mist from reaching the

operator TABLE 1.

1953 Experiment. Argentine Ants present in Household Allotments in Shenton Park, W.A. Sprays applied 23rd-25th March, 1953.

0-5% aldrin 1-0% „ 0-5% dieldrin 1-0%

2-0% chlordane 2 0 % DDT as "Rucide"

Gal- lons acre.

48 42 52 52 49 47

Number of situations infested (B.C.D.) of each sampling.

1 week.

8 3 4 5 5 30

5 9 weeks, weeks.

12 10 6 2 1 29

15 8 7*

0 3 29

29 weeks.

9 7 0 0 25

46 weeks.

33 19 2 3 It 44

• Ants nesting In tyres on top of shed and trailing along fence rail between two houses causing ants to be recorded in seven places. However, many dead and affected were seen at the time and subsequent surveys showed the whole nest to have been killed out without further treatment.

t Ants trailing into allotment from outside plot and entering hole near house—only dead ants seen when examined two days later.

(e) Discussion.

Table 1 contains t h e results of t h e examinations of this experiment. It will be seen t h a t both concentrations of aldrin caused a m a r k e d decrease in t h e number of a n t s during t h e first week but this decrease was n o t sustained. At 29 a n d 46

weeks 0.5% a n d 1% dieldrin a n d 2%

chlordane were significantly better t h a n the remaining t r e a t m e n t s , but were not significantly different from one another.

DDT as "Rucide" was inferior to all other t r e a t m e n t s a t t h e first four examinations.

The 1% per cent, dieldrin spray was t h e only t r e a t m e n t which completely elimin- ated t h e Argentine a n t s a n d prevented r e - infestation; t h e fact t h a t a n t s which succeeded in establishing a gallery a t 46 weeks were all dead two days later, supported by t h e recording of recently killed a n t s in other 1% dieldrin allotments, i n - dicated t h a t this t r e a t m e n t was completely effective for about one year. This compares favourably with 2% chlordane which normally lasts six m o n t h s under P e r t h weather conditions.

In both situations where a n t s were found on t h e 0.5% dieldrin areas a t 49 weeks, t h e ground h a d been unusually dis- turbed after t h e spray was applied. In one of these allotments a large hole h a d been excavated in t h e middle of t h e back yard and filled with food a n d rubbish a n d this provided a n ideal nesting a n d feeding site for a colony of ants, while in a second allotment, t h e front hedge a n d lawn h a d been removed a n d t h e lawn replanted, COMPARISON OF DIELDRIN, ALDRIN

AND CHLORDANE IN 1951 TRIAL AT SHENTON PARK

A comparison of these three insecticides against Argentine a n t s was begun in 1951 a n d reported by Forte a n d Greaves (1953).

A further examination of all three t r e a t m e n t s in this trial was made i n November, 1953, two years after t h e sprays were applied. The method used for assess- ing t h e result was t h e same as t h a t used in t h e 1953 experiment (Fig. 1); in addition, notes were made on t h e presence of native ant species a n d whether t h e Argen- tine unts were nesting in each area.

Originally there were t e n houses in t h e dieldrin plot b u t building operations on the end household allotment resulted in a n t s "bridging" t h e treated positions a n d for this reason this block was n o t examined.

In examining t h e results, position "A"

was n o t included as a n t s were invading this area.

I

rnal of agriculture Vol. 5 1956

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Fig. 4.—Showing m e t h o d of " g r i d d i n g " a road with spray b a n d s in 10 ft. s q u a r e s . All lawns a n d open spaces are t r e a t e d in t h i s way

TABLE 2.

Details of examination of household allotments at Shenion Pari:

W.A., two yesrs after treatment. Area treated with sprays, November, 1951, no subsequent treatment.*

Examined November, 1953.

Treatment.

2 per cent, chlordane

2 per cent, aldrin ....

2 per cent, dieldrin . Mean percentages of positions

infested.

Positions B.C.D.E.

45-4

23-8 0

Notes.

Argentine ants nesting in most allotments. Native ants also present.

Native ants and Argentine ants nesting in the area.

Argentine ants dying in most A positions, not nesting.

No living Argentine ants in area next morning, many dead seen. Native ants nesting in the area, ' Buffer areas between plots and around the experimental block

treated with 2 per cent, chlordane spray to prevent invasion from outside areas and between different treatments. l a s t buffer spray applied February, 1952.

It will be seen t h a t the dieldrin t r e a t - ments were superior to the aldrin and chlordane, especially in the absence of nests within the dieldrin treatments.

Subsequent examinations by Mr. B. A. B.

Edwards (Entomologist of the Department of Agriculture, who lives in the area) have shown t h a t dieldrin is extremely persistent, and, despite the fact t h a t a n t s have invaded the dieldrin treated area every day when weather conditions were favour- able for over three years, no a n t s have nested in the area and dead a n d dying ants were still observed when last examined in May, 1955.

The native ants nesting in t h e aldrin and chlordane treated plots were—

Iridomyrmex suchieri Forel.

/. perthensis Forel.

Melophorus turneri s. sp. perthensis Wheeler.

Journal of agriculture Vol. 5 1956 91

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Pig. 5.—Applying the spray to the Junction of the house wall and verandah—a favourite position for a n t trails

While in t h e dieldrin treated plots t h e native a n t s were—

/. perthensis, I. itinerans, Pheidole sp.

M. turneri, Melophorus sp. a n d a small Monomorium sp.

THE 1954 EXPERIMENT

This experiment was designed to find t h e threshold concentration of dieldrin to achieve eradication. T h e effectiveness of 0.5% dieldrin in t h e previous experiment, supported by t h e results of further obser- vations on t h e 1951 aldrin, dieldrin, chlor- d a n e trial, led to t h e study of lower concentrations of dieldrin.

I t was realised t h a t t h e ultimate result of a n y major campaign against Argentine a n t s would depend on t h e skill of t h e spray operators, a n d in order to obtain t h e m a x i m u m result from t h e first application of spray, t h e concentration of dieldrin m u s t be i n excess of t h e threshold con- c e n t r a t i o n .

A 20-acre block was selected for t h e experiment in Shenton Park, Western Australia. I t h a d been infested for a n u m b e r of years a n d most of t h e houses were from 20 t o 40 years old.

Most of t h e householders h a d taken some steps to control t h e Argentine a n t within each household block—some h a d used baits a n d DDT preparations, while others h a d employed commercial pest control firms to spray with chlordane; however, a n t s were present on all blocks when t h e sprays were applied a n d most blocks were heavily infested.

(a) Treatments.

The following four t r e a t m e n t s were used:—

1. 0.5% dieldrin.

2. 0.375% dieldrin.

3. 0.25% dieldrin.

4. 0.125% dieldrin.

(b) Design.

The design was a randomised block with four replications of four treatments. The plot size was seven houses with a buffer area between each plot.

(c) Procedure.

The sprays were applied between J a n u - ary 26 a n d February 3, 1954, using t h e methods employed in t h e 1953 experiment.

Because of t h e low concentrations to be studied, it was considered inadvisable to apply t h e spray too sparingly, especially as grape vines were a t their maximum growth a t t h e time of t h e experiment a n d they needed particular attention to p r e - vent a n t s bridging t h e spray strips.

I t was estimated t h a t 60 gallons per acre would be sufficient, but because of the presence of a greater a m o u n t of rubbish, pot plants, etc. in t h e older allotments, it was necessary to apply t h e spray up to 70 gallons p e r acre.

(d) Method of Sampling.

The method used in this experiment was t h e same a s i n previous experiments and t h e presence or absence of a n t s was recorded. Table 3 shows t h e total number of infested positions on each t r e a t m e n t a t various times up to 62 weeks after spraying.

TABLE 3.

Incidence of Argentine Ante in Household Allotments at Shenton Parle, W.A., after Treatment with Dieldrin Sprays.

Sprays applied January 26, to February 3, 1954.

0 - 5 % dieldrin ....

0 - 3 7 5 % dieldrin....

0 - 2 5 % dieldrin ....

0 1 2 5 % d i e l d r i n . . . Gallons

p e r acre.

71 67 6 7 - 5

62

N u m b e r of BCDE positions infested on each p l o t . 2

weeks.

16 2 20 35

10 weeks.

1 2 3 32

39 weeks.

0 1 3 15

62 weeks.

0 0 12 57

92

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(e) Discussion.

Table 3 contains the results of examinations of t h e treated household allotments a t 2, 10, 39 and 62 weeks after t h e dieldrin sprays were applied. The Argentine ants were eradicated with the 0.5% and the 0.375% dieldrin sprays. Excellent control was obtained with the 0.25% dieldrin spray, but the lowest concentration studied, 0.125% dieldrin, was not effective for eradication although it resulted in a definite reduction in a n t numbers for thirty nine weeks. It is interesting to note t h a t near eradication was obtained with 0.25% dieldrin in three of the four r e - plications, each of which had only one position infested; however, the fourth r e - plication contained several neglected back yards adjacent to each other and nine positions were infested.

The above results indicate t h a t the threshold concentration of dieldrin necessary for eradication is near 0.375%.

GENERAL DISCUSSION ON THE RESULTS OF THE THREE EXPERIMENTS The extreme persistence of dieldrin was shown in the 1951 trial when 2% dieldrin protected household allotments from adjoining infestations of Argentine ants for over three years; in addition, the 1% dieldrin used in the 1953 experiment killed raiding a n t s 46 weeks after the spray was applied.

The threshold concentration of dieldrin, a t which complete control is possible, is near 0.375% and the use of 0.5% dieldrin for control of Argentine ants provides an effective margin above this threshold. The use of concentrations of dieldrin below 0.5% for control is not warranted, for the success in application is dependent as much upon the skill of the spray operator as upon t h e insecticide, and a second a p - plication of spray would involve a high labour cost.

The control achieved in these experiments was much more effective t h a n Tables 1-3 indicate, for, whereas thousands of a n t s were present in all positions when the areas were treated, the presence of one ant, which may have wandered in from an adjoining infested area, was sufficient for the area to be classed as infested. Most of the infestations persist-

Fig. 6.—A typical Argentine ant trail on a paperbark tree (Melaleuca spp.)

ing after the spray application comprised small isolated colonies only.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors wish to t h a n k the Govern- ment Entomologist (Mr. C. F. H. Jenkins) for his interest and co-operation in this work.

They also wish to t h a n k the Subiaco City Council for their valuable co-operation in the experiments, and the Shell Chemical Co. (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. for its pro- vision of aldrin and dieldrin, and Taub- mans Chemicals for supplying the Rucide.

They are also grateful to Mr. G. A. Mcln- tyre of the Mathematical Statistics section of the C.S.I.R.O. for the analyses of results.

The photographs illustrating this article were also made available by the Shell Chemical Co., and this gesture is appreci- ated.

95

al of agriculture Vol. 5 1956

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In the application of sprays and the routine examination of large numbers of household allotments after treatment, it was necessary to call upon colleagues for manual assistance. The authors are in- debted to Messrs. M. M. H. Wallace, J. A.

Mahon, L. Rogers, E. Holmes and R. S.

Mclnnes of the Division of Entomology, C.S.I.R.O. and Messrs. B. A. B. Edwards, J. A. Button, V. Gates and R. S. Turton

of the Western Australian Department of Agriculture, for their help.

REFERENCES

Forte, P. N. and Greaves, T. (1953)—New insecticides for the control of the Argentine ant in Western Australia.

J. Dept. of Agric. West Aust. 2 (Third Series): 267-80.

HOT WEATHER PRECAUTIONS IN THE APIARY

By R. S. COLEMAN, Offlcer-in-Charge, Apiculture Section

Q N these hot summer days two things come to mind—fire and water. As beekeepers, fire is our worst enemy, and yet we must use it as an ally in the boiler and the smoker even on the hottest of days. This year, with the grass just about ready to explode has everybody anxious.

Make certain that you are not the one to start a fire.

Check your boiler first. Make sure t h a t you have a spark arrester in the stack, because sparks can be carried quite a distance on a hot wind.

Another danger point is t h e oil lead into t h e fire box. Sometimes you just can't help spilling some oil. If you do—clean it up! Several cara- vans have been burnt to the ground because the boiler blew back and caught the oil and other rubbish alight. Once this is alight, there is little hope of saving t h e caravan as not only is there fuel oil for t h e boiler, but there are petrol and oil in t h e engine and usually quite a lot of wax in t h e capping reducer. So clean up your boiler, make sure t h a t the fuel leads are working cor- rectly and carry a chemical fire extinguisher in the van.

The next culprit for starting fires is the smoker.

The grate should be in good condition so t h a t sparks can't blow back through the air hole on to the ground and start a fire going t h a t way.

I t is a good idea always to carry the smoker in a tin, except when you are using it. This is a great safeguard and should be used by everybody; it is so simple and yet effective.

Another little point which could stop fires and a t least will stop your being burnt by the smoker is to pull t h e protectors on t h e side of the fire box well out so t h a t while you are holding the smoker between your legs, there is no chance of your being burnt. I know just how easy it is involuntarily to drop the smoker when the hot fire box presses up against you.

Make as good a break around your bees as you can. Quite often t h e farmer—as much to protect himself as you—will plough a break around your bees if asked. This will stop the

fire danger from your apiary and also help to save your bees from a fire sweeping over the paddock. It is always best to prepare a site before you put your bees down, either by raking or burning. I n any case, clean up from underneath the hives. I have seen an apiary where all the hives but nine were clean underneath and those nine were the only hives t h a t were burnt, although the fire had swept right through the apairy!

So much for preventing fires. Now for stop- ping them once they have started. Never be without a knapsack spray and a t least a 4-gallon tin of water. You never know when a fire is going to start and you just have to be ready all the time. "Be prepared" like the Boy Scouts.

Now for water; never forget t h a t bees are animals and need it. They use water in the same way as we do—to keep cool and replace losses. Up to half the bees in a hive on a hot day may be just living water-bags and you will find drops of water scattered throughout the hive, in the cells and on the top bars, cooling the hive down and maintaining the correct humidity.

Remember, bees like to drink from wet sur- faces, not from a pool of water. Forty-four gallon drums are the best thing, with a bag of tightly corked empty bottles floating in the water. A hive of bees will drink a pint of water a day and 50 hives will clean up a 44-gallon drum of water in a week.

Do not trust to a nectar flow to supply the water—play safe and have water for them to drink a t all times.

And also—the water will always be on the spot in case of fire.

96