Elimination of structural and tree infestations of the Asian subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) with noviflumuron baits in above-ground stations

Abstract

The traditional stake survey and in-ground (IG) monitoring stations have been ineffective in aggregating the Asian subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) in southeastern Florida. In this study, we used both IG and above-ground (AG) Sentricon stations to monitor and bait C. gestroi, and as expected, none of the 83 IG stations was intercepted. Despite this, AG bait stations with 0.5% noviflumuron were successfully used to eliminate C. gestroi colonies. From 2 field experiments, the mean colony elimination time (±SD) using AG baits were 6.4 ± 3.8 wk (n = 4) and 8.0 ± 2.1 wk (n = 12), respectively. Such results were compatible with baiting studies against field colonies of C. gestroi elsewhere, that is, 4–9 wk. The successful rates in monitoring and baiting of C. gestroi with IG stations in other regions also varied, which may be due to the variabilities in tunnel geometry of this species in different environments. In areas with established C. gestroi populations, routine inspection for signs of activity in structures and surrounding trees can be a critical component for pest control providers for early detection of infestation and colony elimination with AG bait stations.

Feeding cessation after feeding on 20‐hydroxyecdysone in the Formosan subterranean termite

“…[19][20][21][22][23] If using baits as a remedial approach for a detected infestation, the use of above-ground baits can bypass the bait interception time. [24][25][26] If termites start feeding on a CSI bait formulation for a few days by a relatively small proportion of the foraging population, it will still lead to colony elimination regardless of feeding durations. 13,27 Therefore, the most feasible approach to accelerate termite colony elimination time is to speed up the lethal time by artificially inducing precocious molting or hyperecdysonism (death during the molting process without a completion of ecdysis).…”