Antixx® Fire Ant Bait and Firefighter® Fire Ant bait are granular baits manufactured by Neudorff and recommended by the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab for managing Little Fire Ant infestations.
Antixx® Fire Ant Bait is labeled for homeowner use and is available in 2 lb jugs and 10 lb bags. Firefighter® Fire Ant Bait is labeled for commercial use and is available in 20 lb bags.
Both products contain the active ingredient Spinosad, which is derived from a naturally occurring soil bacterium. Spinosad is registered for use on some edible crops, but users should always read the product label carefully to confirm that their specific crop or fruit is listed.
In the past, Neudorff recommended using Antixx® and Firefighter® within six months of production because the bait could lose freshness over time. The good news is that the manufacturer has developed an improved formula, and the baits are now expected to remain fresh for up to one year after production.
Freshness is especially important because LFA are picky eaters. If the bait is stale or spoiled, the ants may not consume it, making the treatment less effective.
If you have purchased Antixx® or Firefighter® and would like to know the manufacturing date, you can contact Neudorff at info@neudorff.ca and include the lot number (circled in red in the image above) stamped on the package.
Even if the product is within the recommended shelf life, damaged packaging can still cause the bait to spoil. If you notice punctures in a new bag or a failed foil seal on a new jug, inspect the bait before use. Fresh bait should consist of fluffy corn grit and smell like fresh vegetable oil. If the bait appears clumpy and/or has a rancid smell when opening a new package, do not use it.
