Areawide field study on effect of three chitin synthesis inhibitor baits on populations of Coptotermes formosanus and Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

J Econ Entomol. 2011 Jun;104(3):1009-17. doi: 10.1603/ec10217.

Abstract

Periodic sampling of 43 independent monitors, initially active with Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, or the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), was conducted to evaluate the effects of cellulose baits containing one of three chitin synthesis inhibitors (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 approximately 3 yr. Chlorfluazuron used after > 2-yr diflubenzuron treatment significantly reduced termite populations within months. This suggests diflubenzuron exposure increased the termite's sensitivity to chlorfluazuron accelerating population collapse. Hexaflumuron (0.5% [AI]) also reduced termite populations in approximately 2 yr. The process of removing most detectable termite populations from the approximately 160,000-m2 campus of the Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, with CSIs baits required approximately 3 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.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzamides*
  • Chitin / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Chitin / biosynthesis
  • Diflubenzuron*
  • Insect Control / methods*
  • Insecticides*
  • Isoptera*
  • Juvenile Hormones / administration & dosage
  • New Orleans
  • Phenylurea Compounds*
  • Pyridines*
  • Species Specificity
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Benzamides
  • Insecticides
  • Juvenile Hormones
  • Phenylurea Compounds
  • Pyridines
  • Chitin
  • hexafluoron
  • Diflubenzuron
  • chlorfluazuron