Insect Science (2010) 17, 121-128

Jian Chen, Han-Wu Shang and Xixuan Jin (2010)
Response of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) to potassium oleate water solution
Insect Science 17 (2), 121-128
Abstract: In contrast to floating on the surface of distilled water, ants were immediately submerged after being placed in the potassium oleate (PO) water solution, which led to immobilization within minutes. However, some workers survived after being immersed in 0.03% PO water solution at 25°C for up to 640 min. Elevated temperature of the PO water solution is needed to kill ants within a shorter time frame. At 50°C and 0.13% PO concentration, total mortality was achieved with 10-min immersion for all ants, including brood and adult ants. Soil has a negative effect on the effectiveness of potassium oleate; however, such negative effect can be overcome by increasing either treatment temperature or duration of the treatment. In addition to immobilizing and lethal effect, PO repels ants. PO may have the potential to be incorporated into immersion treatment for the quarantine of imported fire ants to reduce the use of synthetic contact insecticides.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Jian Chen, Xixuan Jin

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general
quarantine treatments/regulations/aspects

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Solenopsis invicta