1. Identification and Control of Orchard Ants David Doll Farm Advisor Merced County Yolo/Solano County Almond Day

2. Ant Anatomy

3. Ants Found Within the Orchard Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile) Native Gray Ant (Formica species) Pyramid Ant (Doymymex insanus) Bicolored Pyramid Ant (Doymymex bicolor) Small Honey Ant (Prenolepis impairs) California Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex californicus) Thief Ant (Solenopsis molesta) Pest Ants of Almonds: Pavement Ant (Tetramorium caespitum) Southern Fire Ant (Solenopsis xyloni) Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) Non-Problematic Orchard Ants:

4. Almond Ant Damage Very Little Damage reported on Huller Grade Sheets!

5. Pest Ants of Almonds: Mounds -Out of full sun -Weeds present at entrance -In areas of moisture

6. Pest Ants of Almonds: Pavement Ants

7. Pest Ants of Almonds: Fire Ants

8. Southern Fire Ant v/s Red Imported Fire Ant Pest Ants of Almonds: Fire Ants

9. Red Imported Fire Ant Nest

10. Non-Problematic Orchard Ants Bi-Colored Pyramid Red Harvester Ant

11. Non-Problematic Orchard Ants Native Gray Ant Argentine Ant

12. Scouting for Ants May – Early June – Further South Scout earlier in May – “Stomp Test” or “Let them bite you test” Colonies located 3’ apart count as different county Five 1000’ square foot sections

14. Cultural Controls – Delay Harvest and Pick-up Almonds as Quick as Possible – Longer on the ground = more damage Baits (Esteem, Clinch, and Extinguish) – Baits are brought back to the nest and affect whole colony – Apply baits before the heat of the summer – when ants are closer to the surface – Do not use within 24 hours after an irrigation, 48 hours before Conventional Sprays (Lorsban) – Only kills foraging workers Ant Damage Control

15. Finding the balance… - Longer in the tree, possibly more NOW damage - Longer on the ground, possibly more ant damage - Need to know populations present!

16. Any Questions? Weekly Updates about almond production can be found at “The Almond Doctor,” www.thealmonddoctor.com