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CONTROL. Leafcutting ants are primarily an outdoor pest but are of concern in the urban situation because of their destruction of ornamentals, their unsightly nests, damage caused to roads, sidewalks, etc. from nest cave-ins, and their painful bites.
Nest location is critical. By avoiding inspections during the hottest part of the day, trailing workers can usually be found and followed. Often there will be leaf pieces along the trail and at the nest entrances. Favored nesting sites include banks of drainage ditches, creeks, and rivers. Most nest entrances, including ventilation holes, will be completely or partially surrounded by a mound of dirt. Realize that since workers forage up to 600 ft, the nest may not be located on the customer's property.
The only appropriately labeled and commonly available pesticide is from a high-pressure (160 psi) aerosol cylinder. When used with its heavy-duty probe with 4-way tip, it gives good results. For older nests which have much deeper chambers, additional applications may be necessary.
For heavily infested areas, soil fumigation with methyl bromide is extremely effective. The affected area is covered with a tarp and the fumigant released under the tarp at several points.
Leafcutting ants can be discouraged from feeding on plants by completely treating with an appropriately labeled repellent pesticide. Note that in most states such an application will require the applicator to have a lawn and ornamental license.
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