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A domestic pest and serious orchard menace, the Argen tine Ant has caused the evacuation of houses. “Its persistence is unequalled by that of any other spe cies” said Government Entomologist C. F. H. Jenkins today, adding that it was practically omnivorous in its taste, would attack sweets, such as sugar or honey, and cooked meats or bones with equal readiness. — POISON POWDERS “Appearance of the pest in Western Australia first reported from Albany in April, 1941 ... is serious and every effort should be made ‘individually to destroy it” he said. In size the ants resemble very closely a number of other com mon house ants, measuring about 1-8 inch in length. They are a uniform honey brown colour and do not give off the formic acid smell so characteristic of most ants when crushed. This, however, is not an infallible means of identification as other local ants are also characterised by this lack of odour. The size of a colony may vary from dozens to thousands. People who suspect that they are being troubled by Argentine ants should forward specimens to the De partment of Agriculture, Perth, for identification. CONTROL METHODS First essential in controlling the ants is to see that no particles of food are left about to attract them. If more direct methods are neces sary it is possible to fumigate or poi son them, says Mr Jenkins, though persistence is necessary before the colony, including the queen, is de stroyed. Best method of fumigation is to pour a couple of tablespoonfuls of carbon bisulphidento the holes which may be found by tracing along the trails of the workers. Where several holes are present all should be treated and the openings blocked with moist earth to prevent the escape of the heavy gas gener ated. Carbon bisulphide is explosive and inflammable and should be used with care. A liberal sprinkling of calcium cyanide dust into the hole if the en trance is subsequently blocked will also be found effective. Many types of powders are used against ants, with varying degrees of success. One of the most useful is powdered sodium fluoride, but powdered arse nic, sheep dip (containing arsenic), Paris green and sodium fluosilicate are useful. The powders should be sprinkled about in places frequented by the ants and liberally sprinkled into and around the entrance to their nests. The efficiency of the powders depends upon their being finely ground and dry. A poison which has been success fully used against Argentine ants is now on the market as the Argentine ‘ant poison. Another formula is 1$lb. sugar or honey, 2 pints water, 31 grains arse nate of soda (equal to a moderately heaped penny). Dissolve the sugar in warm water, then add the arsen ate of soda, stirring well. Bait for meat and fat eating ants is; 14 breakfast cups fat, 5 grains (moderately heaped threepenny piece) arsenate of soda. Warm the fat and stir in the poi son. Bacon rind with a little poison rubbed in may also be tried but the danger to animals and children of such baits should be remembered. SYRUP BAITS Syrup baits are best used in closed tins perforated in such way that ants can enter but so that the contents are protected from children and pets. Bait tins should be filled with syrup and a small piece of sponge, flannel or other absorbent material may be placed inside to sop up some of the liquid and give the ants some suitable support on which to feed. As many hait tins as possible should be put near ants’ nests and tracks so that the Insects will feed outside and not be attracted into the house. The Argentine ant has spread to many parts of the world. On the island of Madeira it is said to have supplanted completely all the native ants Leaflet No. 722 on Argentine ants I may be obtained from the Depart ment of Agriculture, LONDON, Fr — The Home Office will not allow any extension of hours during Christmas week for central London shops which close at 4 p.m. in order to facilitate homeward tran sport before the blackout.
Newspaper Details
Perth Daily News
Perth, Western Australia, AU
Fri, Dec 10, 1943
Page 5
Full Page
Clipped by
John W.
GB 12 Jun 2026
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