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Title: Field evaluation of nutritionally-based Bait Matrix against Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Author
item ROJAS, MARIA
item MORALES-RAMOS, J.A.

Submitted to: Sociobiology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/15/2002
Publication Date: 2/18/2003
Citation: Rojas, M., Morales-Ramos, J. 2003. Field evaluation of nutritionally-based Bait Matrix against Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)Sociobiology 41:81-89.

Interpretive Summary: Baiting systems are one of the most effective methods of control of subterranean termites. These systems have been used to control subterranean termites within individual structures throughout a contract with pest control companies. However, control of subterranean termites may require a more extensive approach because of the magnitude of their colonies (millions of individuals) and foraging territories (~330 feet radius). The objective of this study was to determine if the application of baits in an area-wide manner would improve suppression of this pest. Underground bait stations were installed across 12 neighborhoods in Poplarville, Picayune, Pascagoula, and Biloxi, Mississippi and treated with a bait containing diflubenzuron or chlorfluazuron. Six other neighborhoods were treated as controls and were only monitored for termite activity. After the first year of treatment, the termite activity was lower in the treated neighborhoods than in the controls. Home owners and city parks may benefit from this research. This paper will be presented and published in Spanish as part of the wood protection annual meetings and proceedings (Spain, 2002).

Technical Abstract: A novel nutritionally based bait matrix was evaluated under field conditions in New Orleans Louisiana and Poplarville, Mississippi against infestations of the Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki)and the Easter subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar)). The active ingredients tested, included diflubenzuron, chlorfluazuron and some natural products. The Quarterra interception and baiting system was used to deliver the bait matrix. In New Orleans, LA the test area consisted of 3 buildings and wooden areas within the SRRC campus. A total of 230 stations were installed in the wooden areas spaced 20ft (7.29m) apart and 66 stations around the 3 buildings spaced 15ft (5.47m) apart. In Poplarville, MS 396 stations were installed around 31 houses in 3 different neighborhoods spaced as above. These tests were designed to evaluate the areawide management concept. Temperature, termite activity and bait consumption were measured monthly from October 1999 in NOLA and from July 2000 in Poplarville to the present date. Termite activity stopped in the 2 termite infested buildings in New Orleans within 9 months of bait placement and no activity has been observed for the past 8 months. Evidence of heavy termite mortality was observed in both buildings and wooden areas. The rest of the studies are still in progress.