Location: Biological Control of Pests Research
Title: Development of Baits for Insect ControlAuthor
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Submitted to: Adjacent Government UK Magazine
Publication Type: Popular Publication Publication Acceptance Date: 7/7/2016 Publication Date: 8/5/2016 Citation: Morales Ramos, J.A., Rojas, M.G. 2016. Development of Baits for Insect Control. Adjacent Government UK Magazine. 270-271. Interpretive Summary: Baits are effective tools to control obnoxious pests, such as termites and ants. They are environmentally friendly since pesticides are used in low concentrations and they are enclosed in the bait matrix or carrier which is intended to target the insect pest. Technical Abstract: This article outlines the importance of baits. Baits are formulations that can be used to deliver a toxic chemical or a pathogen (active agent) via ingestion to an insect pest with the goal of killing it. A bait formulations consist of a bait matrix which is the carrier for an active agent. The bait matrix is basically a mix of compounds that stimulate insects to eat and constitute most of the content of the bait. These compounds can include food ingredients and other substances identified as food by the target insect. Because the active agent is ingested, its concentrations can be considerably lower than if they were applied in as sprays. Baits can be a way to use pesticides in an environmentally friendly manner by reducing or eliminating exposure to unintended targets (such as beneficial insects and wild life) and by dramatically cutting pesticide accumulation in the environment. |
