Scientific Tests

Across the fire ant belt, independent research confirms the ability of TopChoice to kill existing fire ants and create a zone of exclusion that prevents new mounds from forming for one year.

Talstar G vs. TopChoice
Homer Collins, Station Leader, Imported Fire Ant Station, United States Department of Agriculture, compared the effectiveness and longevity of Talstar G versus TopChoice at Slidell, La., in 1998. Results show a single application of TopChoice producing one year of relatively consistent fire ant control. Talstar G controlled 90 percent of mounds for the first month after treatment, but dropped to zero percent after two months.

Amdro vs. TopChoice
Mac Horton, Director, Sandhill Research &  Education Center, Clemson University, conducted a year-long test in 1998 comparing Amdro and TopChoice. One month post-treatment, Amdro had achieved 90 percent control of fire ant mounds, but its effectiveness dropped off precipitously for the remainder of the year. The efficacy of TopChoice, on the other hand, increased from 65 percent control one month post-treatment to a consistent 90 percent or better control for the remainder of the year.

Amdro vs. TopChoice
Charles Barr, Texas A&M Extension specialist, compared the efficacies of Amdro and TopChoice in a 1997 trial. At 21 days post-treatment, TopChoice had eliminated nearly 90 percent of fire ant mounds versus a 70-percent kill from Amdro. By 84 days, TopChoice had attained a 95-98 percent kill level, which remained consistent for the remainder of the 364-day trial. In contrast, by 84 days post treatment, Amdro had killed 90 percent of fire ant mounds, but its effectiveness then dropped off steadily for the remainder of the trial.

Download a PDF of Charles Barr’s study on controlling red imported fire ants.

Last modification: Friday 16. May 2008