Product Testing for the Treatment of Argentine Ants (Linepithema humile) in Southern California

To control the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile Mayr, the effectiveness of three chemical products applied around structures in southern California was evaluated. Three products were tested and included: Demand® CS (lambda-cyhalothrin, Syngenta), Termidor® SC (fipronil, BASF), and TransportTM GHP (bifenthrin and acetamiprid, FMC Corp.). A licensed pest management professional applied each product per label instructions to four buildings. In addition, four untreated checks were included in the study. Post treatment inspections were completed at 3, 14, 28, and 56-days. At 56 days post treatment, the percentage control for each treatment was: Demand® CS 94.05%; Termidor® 93.55%, and TransportTM GHP 98.96%. In all cases, except the untreated checks, surveyed homeowners reported a reduction in ants found in their homes at 90 days post-treatment.