A Review of the Evolution of Termite Control: A Continuum of Alternatives to Termiticides in the United States with Emphasis on Efficacy Testing Requirements for Product Registration

Abstract

The global economic impact of termites is estimated to be approximately USD 40 billion annually, and subterranean termites are responsible for about 80% of the total impact. Twenty-eight species of termites have been described as invasive, and these termites are spreading, partially due to global trade, making effective control methods essential. Termite control is complex, as is the biology and behavior of this social insect group. In the U.S., termite prevention and control (with claims of structural protection) is regulated by more than one industry (pest control and building construction), and at the federal and state levels. Termite prevention has historically relied on building construction practices that do not create conducive conditions for termite infestations, but as soil termiticides developed, heavy reliance on pesticides became the standard for termite control. The concern for human and environmental health has driven the development of termite control alternatives and regulation for products claiming structural protection. Product development has also provided unprecedented opportunities to study the biology and behavior of cryptobiotic termites. Technological advances have allowed for the re-examination of questions about termite behavior. Advances in communications via social media provide unrestricted access to information, creating a conundrum for consumers and science educators alike.

Toxicity, repellency, and horizontal transfer of foam insecticides for remedial control of an invasive drywood termite, Cryptotermes brevis (Blattodea: Kalotermitidae)

“…Termites were foraging across the gallery system and treated with fipronil, leading to higher termite mortality and greater efficacy than imidacloprid foam. These results contradict previous studies that have claimed that imidacloprid foam is a non-repellent to subterranean and drywood termites and kills termites when they forage on treated surfaces (Reid et al 2002;Woodrow et al 2005;Luo 2010;Oi 2022). This could be because of the different inert ingredients in the imidacloprid foam formulation.…”

Molecular phylogeny and morphology reveal two new entomopathogenic species of Ophiocordyceps (Ophiocordycipitaceae, Hypocreales) parasitic on termites from China

“…Termites are notorious pests known for damaging wood, cultivated plants, buildings, pastures, forests, and even non-cellulosic materials like cables, causing annual economic losses amounting to tens of billions of dollars. Subterranean termites are responsible for about 80% of the total damage ( Rust and Su 2012 ; Scharf 2015 ; Oi 2022 ). Therefore, the control of termites has become the focus of attention in various industries.…”

Sustainability in Wood Products: A New Perspective for Handling Natural Diversity

“…The chemicals used for modification need not be toxic as long as their action renders the substrate unrecognizable as a food source. In this context, the use of essential oils that make wood unpalatable (or undigestible) for pests (e.g., termites, carpenter ants) instead of killing them and of natural antagonism between different organisms (such as using fungi or bacteria against fungi) − are promising approaches.…”