Green Pesticide for Fire Ant colony elimination and control in residential, crop, and other applications
Foresight Science & Technology, in collaboration with USDA, is developing an environmentally neutral and possibly organic pesticide for fire ants. An issued patent, US1068320 B2, describes the invention. Another one, pending, is for a masking agent to ensure the ants ingest the pesticides. Our current research proposal, for which we are seeking a letter of support that expresses interest in monitoring the progress for potential licensing, is focused on optimizing the formulation and developing a formulation that does not require a bait station. A separate project is developing peptide-based pesticides. All information on that is currently proprietary pending patenting.
Our team involves Foresight and USDA experts in this field. Initial field experiments with a formulation containing a combination of a biogenic amine and taste-masking agents (active ingredient, AI), delivered in a sucrose solution, have demonstrated very good negative effects on fire ant colonies. Ongoing studies are focused on evaluating and determining the optimal AI concentration required to achieve complete elimination of healthy, queen-right fire ant colonies, including the queen, brood, workers, and reproductive individuals (sexuals).
We have successfully demonstrated the efficacy of the AI–taste-masking–bait matrix formulation under homeowner backyard conditions, representing a critical milestone toward preparing for commercial licensing and for developing a marketable product. As noted, the next step is focused on optimizing the formulation to maximize efficacy and improve ease of application in both residential and agricultural field conditions. ( We recognize that field applications introduce additional environmental and biological variables not present under controlled conditions. Therefore, we anticipate that further refinement of the formulation and application strategy are targeted to ensure consistent and reliable performance under diverse field conditions.)
Foresight is actively seeking three things: 1) optioning/licensing opportunities, 2) venture investment for an R&D spinout, and 3) Letters of support/potential interest for forthcoming and future government funding proposals.
About Foresight Science & Technology
Foresight Science & Technology is a global commercialization consultancy founded in 1980 that specializes in technology transfer, due diligence, and market assessment services. The firm provides strategic guidance to innovators across universities, research institutions, government agencies, and private companies. Their core offerings include independent technology and market assessments, SBIR/STTR program management, and custom commercialization consulting. By leveraging deep expertise in technology feasibility, competitive analysis, and regulatory landscapes, the company helps clients navigate the complex transition from early-stage discovery to market-ready solutions. They operate globally, including through their FST Europe division, and maintain a GSA Schedule contract to support federal agencies with specialized innovation services.
These services are critical for innovators who need objective, third-party insights to validate the commercial potential of their technologies and mitigate development risks. By conducting over 600 assessments annually, the firm provides the clarity and strategic intelligence necessary for clients to make informed investment and development decisions. Their work supports a wide range of stakeholders, from startups seeking to enter competitive markets to government agencies managing large-scale innovation programs. Through decades of experience, Foresight acts as a strategic partner that bridges the gap between technical innovation and real-world impact, ensuring that promising ideas receive the necessary support to succeed.
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