Potential of natural products and their derivatives to control Formosan subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

J Econ Entomol. 2012 Oct;105(5):1746-50. doi: 10.1603/ec10229.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Products / toxicity*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Insecticides / toxicity*
  • Isoptera / drug effects*
  • Soil / chemistry
  • Wood / chemistry

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Insecticides
  • Soil