Abstract
Use of chitin synthesis inhibitors has revolutionized the potential impact of termite baiting systems. Several chitin synthesis inhibitors have been used or tested against subterranean termites. We evaluated the effect of lufenuron on bait matrix consumption and mortality of Coptotermes formosanus and compared it with 2 other chitin synthesis inhibitors presently used for termite control: diflubenzuron and noviflumuron. Laboratory no-choice and multi-chamber bioassay designs were employed. At the end of 6 weeks, in both the no-choice and multi-chamber tests, mortality was significantly higher in all the chitin synthesis inhibitor treatments as compared to the controls; however, lufenuron treatment had significantly higher mortality than the other chitin synthesis inhibitors. Multi-chamber tests suggested no sign of feeding deterrence with any of the chitin synthesis inhibitors at the concentrations tested. Consumption of lufenuron cardboard or noviflumuron bait matrix was similar to that of control cardboard in the no-choice tests. We conclude that, based on the overall bait consumption and mortality data, lufenuron was at least as effective as noviflumuron and diflubenzuron.
Highlights
Present termite control methods mainly include application of liquid termiticides and baiting systems
It is suggested that bait treatments have advantages over alternative termite control strategies both by affecting a greater foraging area and by reducing the amount of toxicants placed in the environment (Su & Lees, 2009)
In 6 weeks, only lufenuron treatment caused ~100% mortality of C. formosanus individuals in multi-chamber tests suggesting a faster knock-down of lufenuron
Summary
Present termite control methods mainly include application of liquid termiticides and baiting systems. Subterranean termite baiting systems exploit the termites’ foraging behavior and their food transfer system (trophallaxis) to reduce or eliminate the colony population from an area (French, 1991; Su et al, 1995). It is suggested that bait treatments have advantages over alternative termite control strategies both by affecting a greater foraging area and by reducing the amount of toxicants placed in the environment (Su & Lees, 2009). Su and Scheffrahn (1988) estimated 1.4 to 6.8 million foraging individuals in one colony of C. formosanus. Due to the huge population size and extensive foraging range of subterranean termite colony, a non-repellent and slow acting control agent has the best potential to impact the majority of individuals in a colony (Su, 1994; Su, 2005)
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