Termite Infestation Research Articles

Effect of sesamin on termites,Odontotermes wallonensis(wasmann) in groundnut

Field efficacy of sesamin was tested against the termites, Odontotermes wallonensis (Isoptera: termitidae) in groundnut between February to May, 2012 in Kovilangulam village, tamil nadu. sesamin 1000 ppm, 900 ppm, 800 ppm, 700 ppm and 600 ppm were soil drenched in groundnut field @ 1000 ml/acre. A standard synthetic chemical insecticide, chlorantraniliprole 18.5 sc was used as a reference product and untreated control plot was also maintained. The effects of sesamin on pod damage (PD) and pod scarification (PS) were assessed till harvest (90 days). Significantly more termite infestation was found in control (75% PD and 40.33% Ps) as compared to treated plots (p<0.05). chlorantraniliprole 18.5% sc was effectively reduced the termite infestation (17.96% Pd and 13.98% Ps). sesamin 1000ppm was on par with standard check which controlled the pod damage and pod scarification by 18.33 and 15.00 per cent respectively.

Land degradation is indicative: proxies of forest land degradation in Ghana

How is land degradation measured? The aim of the paper is to address this research question. At the premise, the paper states that land degradation as one of the truth claims of environmental science, is not directly monitored and detectable. Observers rely on indicators to know land degradation. The issues are illuminated by theoretical reference based on the notion of critical political ecology which tries to combine realist biophysical predictions and socio-political constructions. A methodology which mixes literature review, group discussion and field work produces a set of indicators of land degradation. Indigenous farmers used the indicators to spot land degradation in the forest ecosystem of Ghana. The results reveal physical indicators of ironpan formation in farms, uphill and downhill respective lost and gain of soil fertility, roots and building foundations exposed by soil erosion and river channels that do not carry running water even in the raining season. There are biological indicators of invasive species and termite infestations as well as socioeconomic indicators of poverty implicitly taken as indicators of land degradation. The paper concludes that land degradation includes multifaceted set of processes measured by variable and error-filled indicators operating at various spatial, temporal, economic and cultural scales.

Bio-susceptibility of shells of Camellia oleifera Abel. fruits to fungi and termites

In this study, we investigated the resistance of C. oleifera Abel. fruit shell's probe to fungi and termites. The degree of decay of C. oleifera Abel. fruit shells inoculated with Coriolus versicolor, Pycnoporus sanguineus, Coniophora puteana and Antrodia spp. in temperate or tropical environment was assessed. The resistance of the shells to subterranean termites in a tropical chamber was also assessed. It was found that there is an overall difference between the resistance to fungi decay and to termite attack. It was found that: the degree of degradation of the shell colonized by white-rot fungi is more severe than the fragmentation of the shell by brown-rot fungi. It was also found that the white-rot decay of C. oleifera Abel. fruit shell is greater than to beech wood, and then brown-rot decay of Scots pine sapwood is severer than to C. oleifera Abel. fruit shell. The resistance of C. oleifera Abel. fruit shell to attack by the subterranean termites was found to be high. It was concluded that the fungal species was an important controlling factor to the decomposition of C. oleifera Abel. fruit shell; and that termite infestation of C. oleifera Abel. fruit shell did take place but termite mortality (100%) occurred. Based on these results, further investigations are being made in order to solve the use of massive by-product from edible tea-seed oil industries.

Biocidal efficacy of two medicinal plant oil extracts used as termicides against subterranean termitesMacrotermes subhyalinusL.

Laboratory investigations of insecticidal activities of Datura stramonium and Thevetia neriifolia against Macrotermes subhyalinus (Isoptera: Termitidae) were conducted in the Food Storage Laboratory, Federal University of Technology, Akure. In the conditions of 28 ± 2 °C ambient temperature and 75 ± 5% relative humidity, 1–3% concentration chloroform extracts of seeds and leaves of the botanicals were tested for their effect on mortality of M. subhyalinus, and the treatments were replicated four times. The positive control (commercial termiticide; Diazate 60 EC), negative control (untreated control), and solvent control were also set up. The results showed that the extracts were effective in controlling termite infestation. Although most botanicals are not as effective as chemicals, they are nontoxic, eco-friendly, cheap, biodegradable, and renewable sources. After 8 h of exposure, the seed extract of D. stramonium showed higher bioactivity on termites than the seed extract of T. neriifolia did. The resul...

Lethal and social-mediated effects of ten insecticides on the subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus

Termites cause important economic losses worldwide and insecticides are largely used to control subterranean termites like Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe. However, few studies have documented the various effects that insecticides may have on termites, e.g., fumigation or colonial effects. Such knowledge would greatly help in optimizing termite management methods. Under laboratory conditions, we assessed toxicity of ten insecticides, i.e., chlorpyrifos, phoxim, carbofuran, propoxur, bifenthrin, cypermethrin, imidacloprid, fipronil, abamectin, and ivermectin, on R. speratus, and we documented possible insecticide transfer among termites, fumigation effect, and effect on termite colony. Abamectin, ivermectin, fipronil, and imidacloprid were effectively transferred among termite workers and induced high mortality in the receiving individuals, although the estimated LC50 values for these two insecticides were higher than those calculated for most of the others. Abamectin, ivermectin, phoxim, and chlorpyrifos showed strong fumigation effect, and ivermectin, fipronil (and to lesser extent abamectin) could lead to colony collapsing under laboratory conditions. Abamectin was the most efficient insecticide on R. speratus, being highly toxic through fumigation, highly transferable among individuals, and preventing colony to expand through abamectin-contaminated areas. Ivermectin showed similar properties but lacked the latter. Other insecticides showed various properties, either useful for preventing termite infestation or for colony suppression. The results may help in optimizing management of termites, although field experiments would need to document effects in practical situation.

Borescope-Aided Inspection May Be Useful in Some Drywood Termite Detection Situations

Abstract Detection and delimitation, usually accomplished via visual inspection, are primary tactics used for integrated pest management of drywood termite infestations, helping to determine whether whole-structure or localized treatment will be required. Borescopes, fiber-optic devices enabling views within voids, represent alternative or supplemental inspection tools, potentially increasing accuracy and efficiency. We observed and recorded successes of seven participants, with varied levels of termite inspection experience, when asked to identify sample items evidential of drywood termite infestation or likely to be confused with such items. Identifications were made in the laboratory, where samples were protected from view by a physical division, and in a simulated field environment, where samples were placed within inaccessible wall voids, some of which contained insulation material and were therefore designated as “external” voids. Identification accuracy was 80.6 percent overall, highest in the laboratory and lowest in external voids in the field. Differences due to participant became evident in the field, where accuracy ranged from 35.7 to 78.6 percent. Differences in identification accuracy due to sample type were important in both the laboratory and the field. In some cases, participants were able to achieve levels of identification accuracy comparable to those previously observed with alternative inspection devices such as acoustic emission and microwave. Borescope-aided inspection may be useful (but should not be solely relied upon) in cases where structural/environmental impediments are few, inspectors are experienced and physically able, and infestations are large enough to produce evidential items such as dead alate termites and accumulations of termite pellets.

English

Termites are serious pests of agricultural crops and rural houses in Ethiopia. Some attempts were made to control termites on crops. However, termite problem on rural houses is a neglected area regardless of the intensity of the problem which at times results in total collapses of newly constructed houses. To collect preliminary information on status of termite infestation to rural houses, surveys were conducted in three districts of the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia in 2012.&nbsp; Data were collected by direct observations and through semi-structured interviews. A total of 58 houses were inspected in the three districts of which 91% were termite infested at deferent levels. About 81% of the houses aged less than 10 years. Over half of the homeowners used pre-construction preventive measures such as plastic sheet cover and painting with used engine oil. Even though termite infestation was common and serious, only 35% of the homeowners took post construction preventive measures mainly because of lack of knowledge on the problem. The post construction termite control methods used in the study area were removing or scratching mud tubes from the infested parts and painting of the houses with used engine oil. There was no evidence of using synthetic chemicals for the management of termites on rural houses. The local government officials or Development Agents were not aware of termite problems in rural houses as the problem was only seen as a secondary problem. Termite samples were collected from houses, wooden fences and mounds built attached to the exterior walls of the houses. The collected termites were only from the genera Macrotermes and Odontotermes where about 79% was found to be from the former genus. This study explicitly indicated that termites have a great impact on local houses leading to frequent repairing and rebuilding. This damage will eventually lead to deforestation and environmental degradation in addition to its economic impact and spread of the termites. According to key informants of the study areas termite resistant tree species became rare and/or went extinct since they are used for all types of construction. In this study, preliminary information which can clearly demonstrate the level of termite infestation on local houses was obtained which can serve as an important input for the government both for awareness creation and developing best termite management practices. &nbsp; Key words: Macrotermes, Odontotermes, rural houses, survey, termites, termite control measures.

Performance of Termidor® HE High-Efficiency Termiticide Co-pack with Termidor® HE Technology Against Eastern Subterranean Termites Reticulitermes flavipes and Formosan Subterranean Termite Coptotermes formosanus in Laboratory Trials and Field Applications

Two laboratory and one field study were performed utilizing fipronil (C12H4Cll2F6N4OS), in the form of Termidor® HE Co-pack with Termidor® HE Technology. Laboratory studies included glass tube bioassays and collateral transfer effect trials. Glass tube bioassay results indicated that this formulation of Termidor® HE Co-pack was efficacious against Reticulitermes flavipes and Coptotermes formosanus caused 100% mortality of both species by 72 h post-exposure. Collateral transfer effect trials also showed efficacy of Termidor® HE Co-Pack with Termidor® HE Technology against both R. flavipes and C. formosanus by causing 100% mortality by 96 h. Termidor® HE Co-pack with Termidor® HE Technology was also applied to structures as a post-construction treatment for remediation of subterranean termite infestations. In field trials, 12 termite structures were treated with Termidor® HE Co-pack with Termidor® HE Technology (hereafter referred to as Termidor ® HE) and no subterranean termites were detected through 36 months post-treatment.

Survey of Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) Utilization of Temperate Forests

Both native and invasive subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), including the Formosan subterranean termite, are well known pests of urban areas, but little is known about their distribution or impact in forest ecosystems of the southeastern United States. Recently harvested timber stumps were mechanically inspected for the presence of subterranean termites in multiple locations across southern Mississippi and eastern Louisiana. A systematic line plot cruise with 100 x 200m spacing and1/20thha plots was implemented, and all stumps with a diameter greater than 7.6cm were inspected. In total, 7,413 stumps were inspected for the presence of subterranean termites, and 406 of those contained native subterranean termite (Reticulitermes spp) infestations. Light traps were also placed at 8 sites to detect the presence of subterranean termite alates. While no invasive Formosan subterranean termites were found during mechanical inspection of tree stumps, alates were captured in light traps at three sites. The proportion of stumps infested with subterranean termites was negatively correlated with the number of stumps in each plot. Although 6.27% of pine stumps and 1.86% of hardwood stumps were infested, no correlation was found between subterranean termite presence and type of stump (pine or hardwood). Infestations of stumps by subterranean termites ranged from 0.94% to 14.97% depending on site.

Methodology for Internal Damage Percentage Assessment by Subterranean Termites in Urban Trees

One of the most important problems in urban trees is termite infestation. Simple observations of damages on outside trunks or dead branches and leaves do not always confirm infestations. Several trees may present severe termite damage internally that can only be observed through drilling. This paper presents a methodology to evaluate estimated percentages of internal damage caused by termites in urban trees. Tests were made on 1,477 plants in a neighborhood in the city of São Paulo, Brazil and 27% of them were infested by subterranean termites. The results showed that the methodology is simple to use, fast and inexpensive, and it allows assessment of termite internal damage which may help in making decisions on tree management. The trees did not show any phytosanitary problems along the 9 year study after being submitted to the new technique.

Fumigant toxicity of phosphine to the Japanese termite, Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Phosphine (PH3) gas is a quarantine fumigant for stored products and an alternative to methyl bromide (MB). PH3 was tested for its fumigant toxicity to the Japanese termite, Reticulitermes speratus. Its permeability and sorption to two different materials (wood and petri dish) were also tested. Termites were exposed to PH3 under different conditions of temperature and wood moisture content. The fumigant toxicities of PH3 (LCT50 values) to termites were 0.735 mg h/L and 0.744 mg h/L at 20 °C in wood and petri dishes, respectively. Fumigant activity was approximately 8 times higher at 15 °C than that at 5 °C. There was no significant difference between the fumigant activity in the two materials at the same temperature. The efficacy of PH3 was not related to the moisture content of wood. Sorption of PH3 was not affected by the moisture content in 3 different woods. The sorption rate or loss rate of PH3 increased with the volume ratio of pine wood. Phosphine adsorbed onto wood weakly, indicating that the gas, as a fumigant, might be useful for controlling termite infestations in quarantine situations.

Localized treatments using commercial dust and liquid formulations of fipronil against Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in the laboratory

Use of proper application methods and formulations of termiticides are important to reduce their negative impact to the environment. In this study, we conducted laboratory experiments to determine the effect of localized treatments with commercial dust and liquid formulations of fipronil against Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. The test arena consisted of a specially designed 16-chambered structure with a center chamber connected to 5 foraging chambers that themselves were connected to 10 additional foraging chambers. One peripheral chamber received a liquid or dust treatment and termites were released in the center chamber. Results showed that >91% of the termites were dead within the 9-d test period despite the localized treatment of only 1 foraging chamber. Termites that were still alive after 9 d were transferred to an untreated dish and held for 10 more days. The majority of those termites were dead and the rest were moribund on day 19. Regardless of the specific dish treated, both formulations of fipronil were found to be highly efficacious. Termites did not exhibit repellency to either formulation. Our results suggest that localized (or spot) treatment with either commercially available dust or liquid formulations of fipronil can be a viable option for control of a termite infestation where complete soil drenching is not desirable.

Simulating the Spread of an Invasive Termite in an Urban Environment Using a Stochastic Individual-Based Model

Invasive termites are destructive insect pests that cause billions of dollars in property damage every year. Termite species can be transported overseas by maritime vessels. However, only if the climatic conditions are suitable will the introduced species flourish. Models predicting the areas of infestation following initial introduction of an invasive species could help regulatory agencies develop successful early detection, quarantine, or eradication efforts. At present, no model has been developed to estimate the geographic spread of a termite infestation from a set of surveyed locations. In the current study, we used actual field data as a starting point, and relevant information on termite species to develop a spatially-explicit stochastic individual-based simulation to predict areas potentially infested by an invasive termite, Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky), in Dania Beach, FL. The Monte Carlo technique is used to assess outcome uncertainty. A set of model realizations describing potential areas of infestation were considered in a sensitivity analysis, which showed that the model results had greatest sensitivity to number of alates released from nest, alate survival, maximum pheromone attraction distance between heterosexual pairs, and mean flight distance. Results showed that the areas predicted as infested in all simulation runs of a baseline model cover the spatial extent of all locations recently discovered. The model presented in this study could be applied to any invasive termite species after proper calibration of parameters. The simulation herein can be used by regulatory authorities to define most probable quarantine and survey zones.

Utility of Acoustical Detection of Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

The AED 2000 and 2010 are extremely sensitive listening devices which can effectively detect and monitor termite activity through a wave guide (e.g. bolt) both qualitatively and quantitatively. Experiments conducted with one to ten thousand termites from differing colonies infesting wood in buckets demonstrated that acoustical emission detector readings significantly increased when number of termites increased. Termites were also detected in infested trees with the installation of several wave guides into their trunks. These devices can detect termites and changes in termite activity caused by changes in termite numbers, making it an effective pest management professional and research tool for finding and evaluating termite infestations and efficacy of treatments in specific locations.

Influence of Environmental Factors on Activity Patterns of &lt;I&gt;Incisitermes minor&lt;/I&gt; (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) in Naturally Infested Logs

Acoustic emission (AE) activity patterns were measured from seven loquat [Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.] logs, five containing live western drywood termite [Incisitermes minor (Hagen)] infestations, and two without an active drywood termite infestation. AE activity, as well as temperature, were monitored every 3 min under unrestricted ambient conditions in a small wooden building, under unrestricted ambient conditions but in constant darkness, or in a temperature-controlled cabined under constant darkness. Logs with active drywood termite infestations displayed similar diurnal cycles of AE activity that closely followed temperature with a peak of AE activity late in the afternoon (1700-1800 hours). When light was excluded from the building, a circadian pattern continued and apparently was driven by temperature. When the seven logs were kept at a relatively constant temperature (approximately 23 +/- 0.9 degrees C) and constant darkness, the pattern of activity was closely correlated with temperature, even with minimal changes in temperature. Temperature is the primary driver of activity of these drywood termites, but the effects are different when temperature is increasing or decreasing. At constant temperature, AE activity was highly correlated with the number of termites in the logs. The possible implications of these findings on our understanding of drywood termite biology and how this information may affect inspections and posttreatment evaluations are discussed.

Bioefficacy Performance of Neem-based Formulation on Wood Protection and Soil Barrier against Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes Gestroi Wasmann (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Abstract Wood treatment and soil barrier are very important applications to protect structures and its component from termite infestation. The rising interest on the new environmentally safe termicide to replace Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) has increased attention toward plant species with reliable insecticidal activity. Bioactive compounds isolated from Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) have been reported to have biological activities against insect such as food deterrent, oviposition and growth inhibitor, and also contact poison. The efficacy performance of Defatted Neem Oil (DNO) formulation has been thoroughly conducted on wood protection and soil barrier test against subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi. The formulation product consists of DNO as active ingredient and other inert ingredients which help to deliver the active ingredients on controlling the target pest, and enhance the utility of the product. The result of wood treatment and soil barrier test indicated that azadirachtin fraction (91% purity) has lower efficacy level compared to the DNO-formulation. The DNO-formulation showed efficacy level of wood protection and soil barrier can be achieved at 7,5% (v/v).

Effects of plant latex based anti-termite formulations on Indian white termite &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Odontotermes obesus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (Isoptera: Odontotermitidae) in sub-tropical high infestation areas

In the present investigation various bioassays were conducted to evaluate the anti-termite efficacy of plant latex based formulations to control population of Indian white termite in subtropical soil. Results reveal that crude latex, its fractions and combinatorial fractions have shown very high toxicity against O. obesus. The LD50 values for different latex fractions of 24 h were in a range of 5.0-17.613 μg/mg while combined mixtures of Calotropis procera have shown synergistic activity against termites and caused comparably high mortality with LD50 1.987-6.016 μg/mg. The mortality rate was found dose and time dependent as it was found to be increased with an increase in dose and exposure period. In olfactometry tests, C. procera latex solvent fractions have shown significant repellency at a very low dose 0.010-0.320 μg/mg. Interestingly, solvent fractions have significantly repelled large numbers of worker termites due to volatile action of active components of latex and different additives. ED50 values obtained in crude latex were 0.121 μg/mg body weights while combinatorial formulations have shown ED50 in between 0.015-0.036 μg/mg. Statistical analysis of repelled and un-repelled termites gave a low Chi-square value (X2 value = 0.890) which is an indicator of independence of repellent action in randomly selected termite groups. In field experiments pre-soaked cotton threads impregnated with Calotropis procera crude latex were tagged around tree trunks of Tectona grandis provided a wider protection against O. obesus. By employing these pre-coated threads, termite infestation and tunneling activity were significantly decreased (p Calotropis procera possesses enough anti-termite potential against Indian white termite, O. obesus population. If used these, formulations may also provide wide a range of control against other kinds of pests including house hold, medical and veterinary. However, Calotropis procera latex based formulations can be recommended for effective control of termites in high infestation areas by applying spray, or in form of poison baits or as fumigant in pure form.

Mobility, longevity and activity of chlorfenapyr in soils treated at a termiticidal rate

The mobility, longevity and termiticidal activity of chlorfenapyr applied to soils at the termiticidal labeled rate was evaluated for 30 months after treatment (MAT) in a greenhouse study. There was little dissipation of chlorfenapyr in soil treated at the labeled rate for perimeter treatments for the prevention and control of termite infestations. Chlorfenapyr was detected in soil immediately below the initially treated soil in the packed soil columns. This was likely due to settling of soil. The treated soil remained toxic to subterranean termites in 3 and 7 day bioassays over the duration of the study. The treated soil displayed slow-acting properties regarding toxicity to termites. Trace amounts of chlorfenapyr were detected in the eluates of packed soil cones. The commercial formulation of chlorfenapyr used in this study (21.45% concentrate diluted to 0.125% prior to application) killed 100% of the tested subterranean termites for at least 30 months.

An Evaluation of Internal Defects and Their Effect on Trunk Surface Temperature in Casuarina equisetifolia L. (Casuarinaceae)

Tree risk assessment is important when communities choose to cultivate trees near people and property, and many tools may be used to enhance these assessments. The effectiveness of determining internal tree stem condition by measuring trunk surface temperatures with infrared cameras was assessed in this study. The trunk surface temperature of 48 Casuarina equisetifolia was evaluated; the trees were felled and dissected to quantify internal stem defects; and a mixed-methods approach was employed to determine the presence of defects. In total, 27% of trees were decayed, 62% discolored, 6% cavitated by termite infestations, and 2% undamaged. Qualitative visual evaluation of the infrared images revealed the close association of external stem features, opposed to internal defects, with surface temperature distributions. External features, such as cankers, detached bark, and mechanical damage, were associated with temperature anomalies. The trees’ internal condition accounted for a small percentage of the variability in evaluated temperature measurements (r2 = 0.001–0.096). Overall, no clear relationship was found between the extent of internal defects and surface temperature distributions. These results are practically important for the arboricultural professional community because they show the technique does not provide accurate results about the internal condition of trees.

Potential of Natural Products and Their Derivatives to Control Formosan Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Twenty-nine natural products and their derivatives were tested for both contact and vapor toxicity against the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Five natural products at 0.5% (wt:wt) in petri dish contact assay caused 100% mortality within 3 d. In vapor form, only three chemicals (styrallyl alcohol, 2-phenyl-2-propanol, and l-carvone) at 0.25 microl/liter air caused > 90% mortality in 3 d when tested on exposed termites: However, when termites were shielded by wood and soil, only one chemical, tetrahydrocarvone at 25 microl/liter air caused 100% mortality in 2 d. Preliminary test with termites in carton nests, exposed to tetrahydrocarvone vapor in desiccators, resulted in an average of 98.6% mortality in 7 d. With further development in the method of delivery, this chemical may be very useful in fumigating confined areas of termite infestation.