What is this Esteem bait that has been recently labeled for pastures and around farm buildings?
Another IGR bait, Esteem Ant Bait with pyriproxyfen, recently received a supplemental label for pastures and areas around farm buildings. Pyriproxyfen is the same active ingredient in Distance Fire Ant Bait that has been and is approved for use in urban areas. Pyriproxyfen may work slightly quicker than other IGRs such as methoprene. Maximum suppression by pyriproxyfen occurs in 2 to 3 months and usually lasts at least 3 months or so. IGRs dont affect the worker ants, they reduce or stop egg production by the queen and may prevent larvae or pupae from maturing. Because workers are unaffected, the bait is distributed very well throughout the colony. Pyriproxyfen and other IGRS applied as skip swath have performed just as well as when applied at the full rate. Also, IGRs when combined as a hopper blend with a faster-acting bait have, at least in some cases, provided the quicker knockdown of the faster-acting bait and the forgiveness and long-term control of the IGR. Thus IGRs have been t
