A stalk of the new fungus species Ophiocordyceps camponoti-balzani grows out of a "zombie" ant's head in a Brazilian rain forest. Originally thought to be a single species, called Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, the fungus is actually four distinct species—all of which can "mind control" ants, scientists announced in March. The fungus species can infect an ant producing compounds that affect the ant's brain and change its behaviour, and then kill the insect once the fungus moves to an ideal location for growing and spreading its spores.
Bait treatments and insecticides can be used to control ants in the outside nest. To be effective baits must be placed in areas where ants frequent, eaten and be taken back to the nest. There are several different kinds of baits available, and you may have to do a little trial-and-error to find the proper bait.
ReplyDeleteAnt Control
Thanks for the very informative article. Borax bait can be effective to spoil the clans of ants. Natural methods such as neem oil could be effective enough for best result.
ReplyDeletepest control
Something very new to me. Really unbelievable. Many many thanks for sharing this picture. This world is full with fungus. They are really very complex and also amazing.
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