Technology Description:    Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in Mississippi have developed a new method and material to increase the water-resistance of fire ant baits.  The material is derived from a natural product.  The bait coated with ARS’s technology has higher water-resistance than current fire ant bait formulations on the market.  Due to the low-cost and simplicity of this new formulation, large scale production of this product will not be difficult.  This new bait formulation will benefit producers of fire ant control products by increasing efficacy of their products.  In addition, this technology will benefit farmers, homeowners and other clients by increasing the success rate of bait applications.  The initial formulation did not contain any antioxidants, which affect the shelf life of this formulation.  ARS researchers are testing two ant-derived antioxidants to help improve product shelf-life. This technology could be developed into commercial ant baits for both consumer and professional use.  Companies that manufacture ant baits and repellents for pest control could develop this invention into a commercial product.   Reference:   Please refer to S.N. 11/152,193 (Docket #0160.04), “Compositions Containing Insect Bait Coated With Zein,” which was filed on June 14, 2005.  Foreign rights are available.   Inventor:   Jian Chen Biological Control of Pests Research Unit Stoneville, MS  38776 Phone: (662) 686-3066     Fax: (662) 686-5281 jianchen@msa-stoneville.ars.usda.gov