Docket Number: 15807
Serial Number: 11952246

Summary: A bait composition for the control of fire ants based on fact that an ant pyrazine attractant contained therein will attract foraging fire ants and the fire ants will be stimulated by the phagostimulant to eat the bait and distribute active ingredients also contained therein throughout the colony. Furthermore, the bait composition can be used directly or modified as a surveillance composition for monitoring and detecting fire ants based on the fact that a pyrazine attractant contained therein will attract foraging fire ants to a trap containing a fast acting, non-repellent insecticide that keeps attracted workers in the trap as a measure of fire ant presence. Patent Status: Patent Application Filed on December 7, 2007. Link at USPTO filed under patent title “Naturally Occurring Volatile Attractant.” Inventors: Robert K. Vander Meer (Bob) Imported Fire Ant and Household Insects 1600-1700 SW 23RD DRIVE GAINESVILLE, FL, 32608 Phone: (352) 374-5855 Fax: (352) 374-5818 Bob.VanderMeer@ars.usda.gov Catherine Preston (former ARS employee) Yasmin Cardoza (former ARS employee)