Insect baits

Hydrolysed protein preparations have been used to attract various insects. The general subject of insect attractant use both in nature and by man is introduced, with particular reference to the Tephritid family of fruit flies. The work of the Biocommuni-cation Chemistry Research Unit on the identification of the active attractant compounds in the hydrolysed corn protein, Nu-Lure Insect Bait (NLIB) is discussed. Different isolates have been obtained by running simultaneous steam distillation-extractions (SDE) under vacuum and atomospherlc pressure and under basic and acidic conditions. Chemical fractionation of these isolates has also been accomplished. Chemical identification by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (gc/ms) is discussed. 

We are examining those commonly used baits, the protein hydrolysates. Initial studies have used the corn gluten hydrolysate commonly known as PIB-7 or, now, as Nu-Lure Insect Bait (NLIB). This material was used in the recent successful Medfly eradication program in California. Since the fruit flies are probably attracted to the volatile emanations from the bait, we have used equipment and techniques previously developed by members of our group for flavor research. For example, a modified Likens-Nickerson simultaneous steam distillation-extraction head was developed by Flath and Forrey (67.). Also, there is a 90 liter... 

The many uses of an indoor pesticide require fhaf exposure estimates should be based on fhe mosf likely application dial will lead fo fhe highesf probabilify of dermal and inhalation confacf. For insfance, a broadcasf carpel Ireatmenl is generally presumed fo resull in more pesticide surface residue being accessible to individuals fhan fhe amounf or accessibility of residue when the pesticide is placed inside an insect bait station. 

Insects Bait handlers/fish feeders, bee keepers, food industry... 

Boric acid is a weak acid used in eye washes and to clean glass. Boron is also a natural insecticide, since many insects caimot metabolize the boron molecule. Boric acid when mixed with equal parts white flour and powdered sugar makes a tempting insect bait for cockroaches. It causes internal blockage and death, while being safe for animals and children. 

An alternative method of controlling insects without the use of insecticides has recently become popular. Several manufacturers have begun marketing insect traps and baits which are placed in comers, in cupboards, under sinks, and near floor drains to trap roaches and water bugs. Some of these traps employ an attractant chemical that lures the insect into the compartment where it is trapped by a strong adhesive. Others rely on insect entry by providing a dark, enclosed area as a potential shelter. When the trap is full, it is simply thrown out. The insect baits employ systemic or mechanical poisons. 

Baits include mixtures of toxicant, usually at l ndash 5%, with a carrier especially attractive to the insect pest. Carriers include sugar for the houseflies, protein hydrolysates for fmit flies, bran for grasshoppers, and honey, chocolate, or peanut butter for ants. 

Abamectin is also used to control the imported red fine ant Soknopsis invicta. For this use abamectin is formulated as a bait together with soybean oil and com grits. Worker ants transport the bait to the colony, the queen becomes sterile, and the colony is eliminated after 12 to 21 weeks. Similar effects on the fecundity of other female insects at nonlethal doses have been reported (16,17). 

In insect control, PEA has been considered as a mosquito repeUant (68), and its acetate has been used as an ingredient in Japanese beetle bait (69). The alcohol also has bacteriostatic action and antiflmgicidal properties (70—73), and it has been claimed as a surface-active agent (74). 

Use pattern Seed, foliar and soil application for sucking insects, some beetles, bollweevils and leafminers for fruits, vegetables, field crops, trees, ornamentals and turf. Used as a termaticide, flea control on domestic pets and ant bait. 

Sodium molybdate and other molybdenum compounds in toxic baits have potential for termite control (Brill et al. 1987). Baits containing 1000 mg Mo/kg were fatal to 99% of the termite Reticu-litermes flavipes in 48 days. After 8 to 10 days, termites became steel-gray in color, but appeared otherwise normal. Mortality began only after day 16. Termites did not avoid the poisoned bait, even at concentrations of 5000 mg Mo/kg. Yoshimura et al. (1987) reported similar results with another species of termite sodium molybdate killed 100% of the workers in a colony of Copotermes formo-sanus within 24 h after eating filter paper treated with a 5% solution. Some other species of insects — including fire ants (Solenopsis sp.) and various species of beetles and cockroaches — were not affected when exposed to baits containing 5000 mg Mo/kg for 48 days (Brill et al. 1987). 

Food odors are also important as attractants for traps both on their own or in combination with pheromone lures as synergists or additive attractants. Food odors can be used to improve the capture of species that do not have commercially available pheromone lures, of females that do not respond to traps with sex pheromones, and of immature stages. In a number of situations, pheromones combined with food odor are more attractive then either alone (Landolt and Phillips, 1997 Phillips et al., 1993 Trematerra and Girgenti, 1989). Food odor has an advantage over food bait packs because typically the insect is unable to develop on the chemical fraction containing the attractant in contrast to food bait packs. The effectiveness of food attractants can be diminished in environments that contain other food odors. 

Vick, K.W., Mankin, R.W., Cogbum, R.R., Mullen, M., Throne, J.E., Wright, V.F., and Cline, L.D. 1990. Review of pheromone-baited sticky traps for detection of stored-product insects. J. Kansas Entomol. Soc. 63, 526—532. 

The simplest chemical compound that attracts adult deer ticks is carbon dioxide, which is in the breath of all mammals. In one experiment designed to study this effect, investigators first dusted 120 ticks with a fluorescent powder to render these tiny creatures more visible and then released them at various distances from a carbon dioxide-baited trap. After six days, the average distance a deer tick had crawled to reach the trap was 1.8 meters (a little less than 6 feet), or 600 body-lengths for a 3-millimeter tick. This is steady progress toward the carbon dioxide source but rather slow locomotion compared with many insects and even other ticks. 

Since the development of emulsions for horticultural use about 1870, petroleum oils have been employed in many fields of insect control. On horticultural crops they serve as dormant sprays for scale insects, mites, insect eggs, and certain hibernating caterpillars as summer sprays for mites and scale insects as attractants in poison baits as additives to increase the effectiveness of other insecticides and as carriers for many toxicants. 

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