Trap-treat-release: horizontal transfer of fipronil in field colonies of black carpenter ants, Camponotus pennsylvanicus.

The current study is the first field demonstration of the importance of horizontal transfer for the control of pest ants. The trap-treat-release method may be an effective alternative to broadcast spray applications and could help alleviate problems such as insecticide run-off, environmental contamination, and non-target effects. This method has the potential to provide effective management of invasive and pest ants and should be further tested across a wider range of ant species, habitats, and active ingredients. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.