These baits eliminate fire ant colonies within a week when applied to individual mounds, but take several weeks when broadcast. They are also formulated in bait stations. Inorganic Compounds Boric acid is a slow-acting stomach poison. It is commonly formulated as a dust or liquid bait for control of ants. These plant-derived products are contact insecticides and have various modes of action.
Rotenone acts on the respiratory tissues, including nerves and muscles.
Pyrethrins and rotenone products break down rapidly in the environment. Like pyrethrins, these products destablize nerve cell membranes and kill quickly but are quickly deactivated and have little residual activity. They are contact insecticides applied as aerosol injections, mound drenches or surface sprays. These products also destablize nerve cell membranes. They can persist in the environment longer than pyrethrins and their derivatives.