You Are Here: Management Updates 2003 Archive August 22, 2003

Date: August 22, 2003
Category: Insects
Subject: Ants May Be "On the Move" Soon

For those of you who have experienced problems with the "turfgrass ant" (Lasius neoniger) this year, you should be aware that reproductive males and females probably will be making their nuptial flights soon. Normally we see these flights in late August. The winged ants climb to the tops of leaf blades and take flight in large numbers. The flights often occur shortly after rain, and usually are most likdely to be noticed in late afternoon or early evening. For whatever reason, the flights usually are tightly synchronized in a given location. In other words, most of the ants will emerge within a 24 to 48 hour period.

After the ants mate, the females burrow into the ground and begin to lay eggs that will hatch into small workers, who will try to create a new nest. Many of these new colonies do not survive the rigors of winter, but those that do become the problem colonies the following year.

The reason I am mentioning this is that some of my colleagues in the Midwest have suggested that you might be able to reduce next year's populations by treating this fall. Watch for the emergence and flight of large numbers of ants and treat those areas as quickly as possible after the flight is noticed. If you want to try to eliminate these new reproductive adults, use a traditional broadcast material (e.g., a pyrethroid or chlorpyrifos).

We have not conducted any field trials in Massachusetts on the late summer adults, so the above should not be construed as a recommendation. Rather it is an effort on my part to pass on information and suggestions from colleagues in the Midwest.

- Submitted by: Dr. Pat Vittum