Abstract
Twenty-one boards infested with drywood termites were examined for activity using a Termatrac® motion detector. Termite galleries were identified using a Resistograph drill and treated with one of three ready-to-use (RTU) products. Results indicated that the Termatrac was excellent at locating termite activity but provided 9.5% false negatives. The Resistograph located termite galleries with an average of 4.6 ± 2.7 holes drilled to find at least one gallery in a board. Treatments included three formulations and two active ingredients; a foam (imidacloprid), a dry (fipronil) and an experimental formulation in a pressurized can (fipronil). All treatments provided evidence for a reduction in mean termite populations per board compared to the control. Two treatments provided evidence of elimination of infestation but no formulation eliminated infestations in every board that was treated. The concept of local treatment for drywood termite control is discussed relative to our results.
Highlights
Termites from the family Kalotermitidae, the drywood termites, have a worldwide distribution and can be serious structural pests in tropical to temperate coastal regions [1,2,3]
This study addresses several problematic aspects of drywood termite management
Second is the mechanics of delivering a control agent to attain complete coverage of the drywood termite gallery system
Summary
Termites from the family Kalotermitidae, the drywood termites, have a worldwide distribution and can be serious structural pests in tropical to temperate coastal regions [1,2,3]. The biology of drywood termites is considered homogenous only a few species within the family have been examined in detail [3]. Drywood termites nest in and feed on wood and are considered single-site nesters with a dynamic caste developmental system that includes neoteny [4,5]. Control of drywood termites in structures is complicated by their biology that includes rapid development of neotenics and nest architecture that is difficult to discern from the exterior of a piece of dimensional lumber [7,8,9,10,11]. Additional issues affecting measures of efficacy of control measures include detection and non-destructive evaluation of treatments [12,13]. What is the degree of efficacy of three ready-to-use (RTU)
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