Area-Wide Elimination of Subterranean Termite Colonies Using a Novaluron Bait

Abstract

We investigated the use of termite baiting, a proven system of targeted colony elimination, in an overall area-wide control strategy against subterranean termites. At two field sites, we used microsatellite markers to estimate the total number of Reticulitermes colonies, their spatial partitioning, and breeding structure. Termite pressure was recorded for two years before and after the introduction of Trelona® (active ingredient novaluron) to a large area of one of the sites. Roughly 70% of the colonies in the treatment site that were present at the time of baiting were not found in the site within two months after the introduction of novaluron. Feeding activity of the remaining colonies subsequently ceased over time and new invading colonies were unable to establish within this site. Our study provides novel field data on the efficacy of novaluron in colony elimination of Reticulitermes flavipes, as well as evidence that an area-wide baiting program is feasible to maintain a termite-free area within its native range.

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

“…In theory, baits eliminate or suppress termites from an area, thereby decreasing or eliminating risk to the structure. Collectively, both products have a significant body of research supporting the concept of termite colony elimination and suppression in structures with existing infestations [116][117][118][119][120][121]. Sentricon™, specifically, has been successfully used in high-profile and historic sites such as the Statue of Liberty [122], Cabildo Complex of French Quarter, New Orleans [123], El Morro and San Cristóbal at the San Juan National Historic Site [124], Fort Christiansvaern, Christiansted National Historic Site, St. Croix [125], Tzu-Su Temple, of San Shia, Taiwan [126], and Madame John's Legacy House [127].…”

High Exploration Behavior of Termite Propagules Can Enhance Invasiveness

“…The large number of workers per colony increases their capacity to exploit food through tunneling [sometimes over 100 m (Dronnet et al, 2005)]. In addition to representing a significant threat to human infrastructure (Patel et al, 2020;Shults et al, 2021), high foraging activity in hidden environments may enhance propagule pressure through an elevated chance of accidentally transporting isolated groups of workers. Notably, the ability of an invasive species to associate itself with human activity and survive transport may also favor the successful establishment of its propagules (Su, 2013).…”

Assessing colony elimination in multicolonial ants: Estimating field efficacy of insecticidal baits against the invasive dark rover ant (Brachymyrmex patagonicus)

“…Regarding pest management, a sample of individuals collected during an initial infestation can be genetically analyzed to determine if subsequent infestations are due to a new or preexisting colony. Using microsatellites to monitor pest populations and assess the efficacy of management efforts has been well studied in subterranean termites 31–36 ; however, this method has not been widely applied in ant pests 37 …”

“…[28][29][30] Regarding pest management, a sample of individuals collected during an initial infestation can be genetically analyzed to determine if subsequent infestations are due to a new or preexisting colony. Using microsatellites to monitor pest populations and assess the efficacy of management efforts has been well studied in subterranean termites [31][32][33][34][35][36] ; however, this method has not been widely applied in ant pests. 37 The dark rover ant (Brachymyrmex patagonicus Mayr) is an invasive species from South America that has spread across most of the southern United States (US) 38,39 and is continuing to invade new areas.…”