Pest Management Professional, January 2019

Control Solutions Inc By Dr Janis Reed BCE Technical Services Manager Product Development Team Theres a popular meme that notes the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results Does this apply to you To your treatment techniques for ants My best advice for problematic ant infestations is to try something different a product a method an integrated pest management IPM strategy or a communication tactic Continuing to do what you have always done because thats what is familiar is easy but it doesnt always solve problems Dont be afraid to branch out and try something new Neogen By Casey Prewitt Sales Manager Professional Pest Management Division With more than 70 species in the United States that could be considered structural pests there are two basics to keep in mind when solving most ant issues Most ant invasions on the inside start from the outside and very few of them are strictly indoor issues When solving customer problems focusing on the inside is key for short term results but to eliminate extra services we must take the time to find where the colony originates from the outside In many cases these colonies might even have subcolonies that must be treated as well Baiting is an important tool but make sure it is not the only treatment protocol you have As with all pest solutions ensuring you have multiple products with different modes of action in your arsenal is the key to long term success For example applying a non repellent on the outside of the structure along foundations and cracks and crevices can help prevent new infestations in the future The easiest recommendations you can make to your customer is keep foliage trimmed away from the structure and perform routine exclusion work around the property Rockwell Labs By Dr Jamel Sandidge BCE Research Entomologist Ant baits have become a major tool in the battle against structure invading ants But how do you choose the best bait for the situation As a pest management professional PMP I used a technique I called the Peanut Butter and Jelly Test Some ants prefer sweets carbohydrates the jelly while others prefer fats and proteins the peanut butter Many ants switch from one source to the next depending on the needs of the colony It can be a predictable seasonal preference or a rapid switch to take advantage of a new food source How do you determine what the colony needs Ant species identification is the first major key but often this will only reveal the general preferences of the species leaving the question of which bait to choose Thus carrying baits that contain sources of protein and fats in addition to sweet baits containing primarily sugar and carbohydrates is essential Test the colony by placing small portions of each bait near the workers Continue your inspection then return after a few minutes to see whether a clear choice has been made Adding a perimeter granular bait that contains fats oils sugars and protein also will provide a selection that even the pickiest ant colony likely will accept Zoëcon By Mel Whitson Senior Field Technical Services Manager Different ant species require different treatments thanks to unique character traits so be sure to properly identify the invaders before you start a control plan To help identify different ant species PMPs should plan on thoroughly inspecting their clients structures with these key treatment sites in mind In kitchens remove all pantry items and instruct clients to maintain food free surfaces Look for ants on TIPS TRICKS ANTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 56 54 January 2019 Pest Management Professional mypmp net