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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Imported Fire Ant and Household Insects Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #58691
Title: ORAL TOXICITY OF A BORIC ACID- SUCROSE WATER BAIT TO FLORIDA CARPENTER ANTS(HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)

Author
item Klotz, John
item MOSS, JAMES - SELF EMPLOYED

Submitted to: Journal of Entomological Sciences
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/20/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: In response to the public's concern for pesticide usage, the pest control industry is seeking new and less toxic approaches to pest control. Our studies with carpenter ants demonstrate that a very low concentration of boric acid bait mixed with sugar and water is an effective slow-acting toxicant. Some of the advantages of this bait include the delayed toxicity and water solubility of boric acid at low concentrations. Additionally, the water carrier and sugar attractant meets the requirements of carpenter ants for moisture and carbohydrates.

Technical Abstract: The oral toxicity of boric acid to the Florida Carpenter Ant, Camponotus abdominalis floridanus (Buckley), was evaluated. The ants were provided a sucrose water-based bait containing various concentrations of boric acid. LT50s (95% CL) ranged from 8.12 (7.15-9.84) of boric acid. Some of the advantages of using boric acid as a bait toxicant for ants include its delayed activity and its solubility in water at low concentrations.