 A third method of fire ant control consists of broadcasting a granule containing a long-lasting insecticide over the entire area that needs treatment. The insecticide persists in the soil, effectively creating a protective barrier. Colonies that move into the area will die as they come in contact with the insecticide. Several different kinds of these materials are sold. Such treatments, while effective, are much more costly than traditional bait treatments. The longest lasting material in this class routinely controls fire ants for a full season. Other broadcast granule insecticides may control fire ants for only a few months.