08-21-2016, 03:54 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Eric1600
According to the Hawaii Ant Lab guys, LFA learn from toxins and once some of the workers or parts of the colony die off they are quick to avoid that bait again. So it might work temporarily, but in the long run you have to alternate between a bait with IGR (insect growth regulator) like Tango and a bait with toxin. Those roach baits typically have boric acid in them as the toxin which you can buy for much cheaper and mix to make your own bait if you want. Roaches like sweet things, but a cheap sweet peanut butter will attract LFA workers too as they seek proteins. They use other insects as slaves and farm carbohydrates using them so they don't seek out sugars.
Also I wanted to mention that, Eric, it isn't so cut and dry as all that. Yes they farm aphids and scales to get sugar but that isn't the only steadfast rule. They do seek out sugar sometimes, they especially like fruit sugar. I've been fortunate enough to be feasting on mangosteen and other exotic fruits this summer as my land gives back to me and I notice that they are attracted to my fruit compost bucket and go straight for the sweet leftovers. It is true that they prefer protein though.