3. Development of a Bait System for the Pharaoh’s Ant, <i>Monomorium Pharaonis</i> L. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

The infestation of the Pharaoh’s ant, Monomorium pharaonis L. is widespread and, sometimes, very serious in
homes, hospitals, restaurants, factories, etc. People are helpless because effective baited traps are not available
locally, and little has been done locally to develop effective control strategies for these ants. The study aimed at
developing an appropriate bait system from local materials for the control of the Pharaoh’s ant. Nine baits and three
insecticides were evaluated in the laboratory and field situations. Groundnut cake, dry fish and granulated sugar
were the most attractive baits. Rimon (a Benzoylphenyl urea), an insect growth regulator, was the most promising
insecticide for incorporation into the bait system. It is, therefore, recommended that a bait system, containing
groundnut cake, sugar and dry fish, mixed with 1% Rimon, be evaluated for Pharaoh’s ant control.