Barium Compounds as Poisons in Firebrat Baits1

Abstract

During the course of an investigation of stomach poisons, it was found that barium carbonate possessed considerable toxicity to the firebrat, Thermobia domestica (Packard), when incorporated in a suitable bait mixture. Since barium carbonate is definitely lower in cost than the poisons currently recommended for firebrat baits except arsenic trioxide, and is safer than the latter poison for use in the home, it seemed advisable to examine it further. At the same time twenty-five other barium compounds were tested for toxicity to this insect. The experiments were made at Ames, Iowa, in the period from January 4 to August 15, 1938.