Oral toxicity of abamectin, boric acid, fipronil, and hydramethylnon to laboratory colonies of Argentine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

J Econ Entomol. 2000 Jun;93(3):858-64. doi: 10.1603/0022-0493-93.3.858.

Abstract

Comprehensive laboratory baiting studies with the 4 insecticides abamectin, boric acid, fipronil, and hydramethylnon were conducted against Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr). Serial dilutions of each insecticide prepared in a 25% sucrose solution were provided for 24 h or 14 d to groups of workers and queens. Sucrose-water baits containing 1 x 10(-5)% fipronil and 0.1% hydramethylnon provided complete mortality of L. humile workers baited for 24 h. Baits containing 1 x 10(-4) and 1 x 10(-5)% fipronil provided 100% kill of queens. In the continuous baiting, 0.5% boric acid, 1 x 10(-6)% fipronil, and 0.025% hydramethylnon provided 100% mortality of workers. The queens and workers provided baits containing 1 x 10(-5)% fipronil and 0.5% boric acid all died within 14 d. Low concentrations of fipronil and boric acid in sucrose may be promising candidates for Argentine ant control.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Ants*
  • Argentina
  • Boric Acids*
  • Insecticides*
  • Ivermectin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Pyrazoles*
  • Pyrimidinones*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Boric Acids
  • Insecticides
  • Pyrazoles
  • Pyrimidinones
  • abamectin
  • Ivermectin
  • hydramethylnon
  • fipronil
  • boric acid