Area Wide Field Study on Effect of Three Chitin Synthesis Inhibitor Baits on Populations of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Authors: Osbrink, Weste; Cornelius, Mary; Lax, Alan

Submitted to: Journal of Economic Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/29/2011
Publication Date: 6/1/2011
Citation: Osbrink, W.L., Cornelius, M.L., Lax, A.R. 2011. Area wide field study on effect of three chitin synthesis inhibitor baits on populations of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Journal of Economic Entomology 104(3):1009-1017.

Interpretive Summary: Combined, Formosan termites and eastern subterranean termite cost consumers billions of dollars a year. Termites were controlled on a 160,000 m2 campus baiting with an area wide management strategy. The area wide management approach was validated. However, control took several years to achieve. Chlorfluazuron and hexaflumuron appeared to be effective as cellulose baits. Diflubenzuron, as used in this study, was not effective as cellulose bait. Hard wood trees appear to be a preferred nesting site of the Formosan termite and should not be ignored in an area wide management strategy.

Technical Abstract: Periodic sampling of 43 independent monitors, initially active with Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, or the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) was conducted to evaluate the effects of cellulose baits containing one of three chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSIs) diflubenzuron, hexaflumuron, or chlorfluazuron on termite populations. Diflubenzuron at 0.1% active ingredient (AI) wt/wt had no noticeable effect on termite populations. Chlorfluazuron (0.25% AI) significantly reduced termite populations in about three yr, and when used following two yr diflubenzuron treatment significantly reduced termite populations within months, suggesting diflubenzuron exposure increased the termite's sensitivity to chlorfluazuron accelerating population collapse. Hexaflumuron (0.5% AI) also reduced termite populations in about two yr. The process of removing most detectable termite populations from the ˜160,000 m2 campus of the Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA with CSIs baits required about three yr. Adjustments in the specific bait formulations and application procedures might reduce time to suppression. Establishment of new independent termite populations provides a mechanism to minimize the effects of baits. Remedial control measures around and under structures should be considered when implementing an area wide management strategy.