ScienceAugust 17, 2026

thiamethoxam

THY-uh-METH-uh-ksam

Definition

A systemic insecticide in the neonicotinoid class that targets the nervous system of insects, frequently used in bait to control ant colonies.

Etymology

The name is a chemical compound derived from the combination of 'thia-' (referring to the sulfur atom) and 'methoxam' (referring to its methoxy and oxime-like functional groups).

In the news

The article discusses how thiamethoxam alters ant behavior by overstimulating their nervous systems, causing them to roam excessively outside the nest before dying.

Pesticides make ants go crazy

Read the full article ↗

University of California, Riverside

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