{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.023185483870967742, 'fraction_numerical': 0.014112903225806451, 'mean_word_length': 5.167701863354037, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Low Impact Directed Sprays and Liquid Baits to Control Argentine Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Insecticide treatments were evaluated for efficacy in reducing outdoor infestations of Argentine ants around homes in southern California. Treatments were applied with the goal of reducing the amount of insecticides applied to control ants. Most effective was an experimental liquid bait formulated with 0.003% thiamethoxam as the toxicant. It reduced the ant numbers near the house by 84% and in the yard by 80%. Similar levels of control were obtained near the house with the same bait containing a lower concentration of AI (0.001%), and two other treatments using low volume applications offipronil sprays. In the yard, though, these treatments were less effective. The results show that less insecticide and more target specific applications can be used effectively to control Argentine ants outdoors. A cost analysis indicated that a standard industry treatment cost 40% less than baiting.