The efficiency of a granulated bait formulated with sulfluramid (0.3%) for the control of Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel, 1908 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) was evaluated. Treatments consisted of applying this bait at a dose of 8g/m² from the ant nest. This bait was applied near entrances over ant nests (treatment T1) or near those outside these nests (treatment T2). A total of 192 ant nests of A. sexdens rubropilosa were used in the two treatments. Percentage of transport and devolution of the bait by A. sexdens rubropilosa was evaluated two days after its application and control efficiency, 150 days after application. Percentage of bait transport was higher when applied outside the ant nest (100.00%) than over it (89.5%). However, control efficiency was similar between treatments. For this reason and due to lower costs, it is recommended to apply this bait near entrances over ant colonies to control A. sexdens rubropilosa.
Granulated bait; application methods; leaf cutting ants; ant nest
