Making Your Own Non-Toxic Baits

Q: We have been thinking about using non-toxic ant baits in our IPM programs. In areas where we have eliminated ants it seems like a better idea to use a non-toxic bait as a monitor for new infestations. Are there any non-toxic bait formulations available either as gels or in bait stations? (L.R.)

A: I am not aware of any non-toxic baits available commercially to the structural pest control industry for ant monitoring. However, there are a large number of readily available food materials that could be utilized as a non-toxic bait.

For example, honey either alone or cut in half with water is an excellent monitoring bait for carpenter ants. Other foods that have been used successfully on pharaoh ants include mint apple jelly, peanut butter and powdered egg yolks. Even freshly killed insects such as German cockroaches can serve as food sources for some ant species. The only problem with most of these food sources is that they are messy to use. Try placing a small amount of the chosen food substance on small squares cut from 3- x 5-inch note cards or on small pieces of wax paper, or place some food materials into short pieces of soda straws.

Remember, if you use non-toxic baits for monitoring ant activity, you will have to inspect those bait sites fairly frequently. If you should place this material out and it is found by ants and you do not revisit the account often enough, it may appear to your customer that you are unsuccessful in solving their ant pest problems. Explain to your customer that you are using non-toxic materials to monitor ant activity and that should they see activity between service visits, it does not mean that your program has been ineffective.

CORRECTION: In Jeffrey Tucker’s December Q&A column, two phone numbers were incorrect. The correct phone numbers are BioQuip Products, 310/324-0620; and Biological Research Development Co., 409/866-1967. PCT regrets the errors.

Jeffrey Tucker is a consulting entomologist who is president of Entomology Associates in Houston, Texas. To contact Tucker, call 713/681-9069.