Management effort on Brachymyrmex spp., a nuisance pest in Hawaii’s golf courses

The rover ant, Brachymyrmex spp., alate swarms have been a seasonal nuisance at some of Hawaii’s golf courses for the past several years. Colonies of this ant species are mainly formed in soil underneath turfgrass, bases of trees, and in leaf litter, etc. Alate swarms, attracted to objects in bright colors such as white/yellow shirts, throughout the warm summer months drive golfers off the course, as mating flights usually occur from May to August. The overall objective of this research is to find out effective means to control this pest with emphasis on several newly developed granular ant baits. Promising granular ant baits will be identified, and tested in the lab first. Based on lab test results, selected baits will be included in the field trial with replicated plots at a golf course where rover ant infestation is severe. Baits will be applied at manufacturers’ recommended rates, and Brachymyrmex spp. infestation will be evaluated considering observed abundance of ants at different life stages including alates. Initial Brachymyrmex spp. infestation, and post-treatment ratings will be evaluated by at least three people. Data will be subject to appropriate statistical analysis.