Laboratory Evaluations of Five New Formulations of Ascend Pt370 (Ai Abamectin) Against the Red Imported Fire Ant, 1993

Five sets of three RIFA colonies were used for testing efficacy of these baits in reducing ant populations. One set each was offered 2 g of Ascend PT370 in the following formulations: 0.011% AI (127-091), 0.0% AI (127-092), 0.011% (127-093), 0.011% AI (127-094) or 0.0227% AI (119-057). The baits, supplied by Whitmire Research laboratories, Inc. (St. Louis, MO), were placed in plastic boxes (foraging arenas). Ants were allowed to forage on the baits via paper bridges connecting their colony to their respective bait container. After 24 h of foraging, the bridges were removed, ant mortality recorded, and bait consumption determined. This procedure was repeated 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 days later. Cumulative consumption was recorded.