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Alternative control strategies for termites
Abstract
The relative efficacy of five detection and 12 control methods for termites is reviewed. Chemical and nonchemical control methods are included. Discussions of the latest advances in detection and control focus on seven species: Cryptotermes brevis (Walker), Incisitermes minor (Hagen), I. snyderi (Light), Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, Heterotermes aureus (Snyder), Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), and R. hesperus Banks. These species were chosen because they have great economic importance as pests and because studies have been published on alternative control strategies. Tables and discussions recount the historical development as well as strengths and limitations for most termite detection and control methods. Differences between whole-structure and localized treatments also are discussed. Chemical methods are the most predominant termite treatment application. However, uses of alternative methods that emphasize least-toxic and nonchemical applications are increasing. Technological advances in detection are needed to enhance all termite control methods, especially those directed at localized applications. Prospects for the development and public acceptance of alternative termite controls appear good, although population reduction of termites from structures may be a more attainable and realistic goal than elimination as new technologies are developed. The greatest challenges ahead in improving and developing existing and new termite detection and control strategies will be to secure funds for research and to identify mechanisms for rapid dissemination of evolving information to pest control operators and consumers.
... Also, a localized pesticide treatment can offer control of drywood termites (Ferster et al., 2001;Lewis and Forschler, 2014). Alternatively, heat treatment and microwave treatment are also applicable (Lewis and Haverty, 1996;Lewis, 1997). However, if drywood termites are found in multiple houses in a certain area, the eradication of drywood termites becomes challenging and may be too late. ...
... Also, a localized pesticide treatment can offer control of drywood termites (Ferster et al., 2001;Lewis and Forschler, 2014). Alternatively, heat treatment and microwave treatment are also applicable (Lewis and Haverty, 1996;Lewis, 1997). However, if drywood termites are found in multiple houses in a certain area, the eradication of drywood termites becomes challenging and may be too late. ...
... Also, a localized pesticide treatment can offer control of drywood termites (Ferster et al., 2001;Lewis and Forschler, 2014). Alternatively, heat treatment and microwave treatment are also applicable (Lewis and Haverty, 1996;Lewis, 1997). However, if drywood termites are found in multiple houses in a certain area, the eradication of drywood termites becomes challenging and may be too late. ...
... Also, a localized pesticide treatment can offer control of drywood termites (Ferster et al., 2001;Lewis and Forschler, 2014). Alternatively, heat treatment and microwave treatment are also applicable (Lewis and Haverty, 1996;Lewis, 1997). However, if drywood termites are found in multiple houses in a certain area, the eradication of drywood termites becomes challenging and may be too late. ...
... Also, a localized pesticide treatment can offer control of drywood termites (Ferster et al., 2001;Lewis and Forschler, 2014). Alternatively, heat treatment and microwave treatment are also applicable (Lewis and Haverty, 1996;Lewis, 1997). However, if drywood termites are found in multiple houses in a certain area, the eradication of drywood termites becomes challenging and may be too late. ...
... A comprehensive understanding of the behaviour of termites during their foraging and other activities is a necessary component of any termite management approach [17,18,19]. The monitoring and control of termites is commonly accomplished through the use of a technique known as termite baiting. ...
Termite monitoring is an important part of designing the management strategy. In the current study, termite activity was observed at four sites in Multan (three structures and one agriculture area). For this purpose, monitoring traps consisted of plastic bin and wood pieces were buried in soil. The termite activity was observed on weekly basis for two months during March and April 2022. The results indicated that there were five species (Odontotermes spp., Microcerotermes spp., Amitermes spp., Microtermes spp. and Coptotermes spp.) infesting the buildings and agriculture area. The lowest termite contacts in traps were observed on the 1st week which were increased with the passage of time (maximum contacts recorded on 4th week of April). Similarly, the numbers of termites were also less at the 1st inspection at all sites (24-2059 numbers per station) and maximum numbers of termites per station were recorded on 4th week of April. The results will be helpful to manage termite infestation.
... Worldwide, 80% of subterranean termites are considered as a pest [7] and cause severe losses to both structural wood and forests trees. Annually, there is about more than 3 billion dollars damage caused by the termites and about 80% of which is only caused by subterranean termites in U.S [8] . Out of 53, eleven species of termites are of economic importance in Pakistan including Heterotermes indicola [9] . ...
Termites are most important eusocial insect pests known to human beings, spread across the globe and feed on all cellulose containing materials. Heterotermes indicola workers cause enormous damages to the host materials. Sand can be a physical barrier to control termites' infestation. H. indicola travelled nil distance and made nil number of tunnels in 20 and 30 mesh size particles in 3 cm sand barrier. But in control (60 cm mesh size) it travelled significantly longer distance of 2.13, 3.07 and 3.25 cm, and made significantly more number of tunnels of 1.45 each on day 1, 2 and 3, respectively. H. indicola travelled nil distance and made nil number of tunnels in sand mesh sizes of 20 and 30 in 5 cm sand barrier also. But in control (60 cm mesh size), the termite workers travelled significantly longer distance of 1.61, 1.61 and 4.42 cm, while made more number of tunnels of 1 each on day 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The present research findings will devise IPM strategies against H. indicola under field conditions.
... Termites are one of the most problematic pests and there are over 2800 described species of termites with approximately 185 considered pests [1]. They are abundant in tropical and subtropical environments. ...
A survey was conducted to study the distribution of termites in Vayalogam soil series, red sandy loam soil in Tamil Nadu, India. Among the termites collected from eleven places in Pudukottai district, Tamil Nadu all under one genera and three species, the predominant species was Odontotermus wallonensis (Wasmann) which was noticed in seven locations followed by O. assmuthi in three locations and O.obesus in one location. Further, an abundance of O. wallonensis was high (64.64%) followed by O. assmuthi (27.27%.) and O. obesus (9.90%.). The termite, O. wallonensis was recorded more in moundscompared to O. assmuthi and O. obesus, whereas in tree wood logs, three termite species were found. Among the avenue trees, pungam recorded less damage (7.25%) followed by jack trees (10.25%), Polyalthia (15.50%), tamarind (23.50%) and neem and eucalyptus (32.55 and 37.50%). In field crops termite damage was less in maize (5.75%), groundnut (10.25 %), and sugarcane (10.25%). The highest damage was recorded in jack fruit at seedling stage (46.50%) cultivated in Vayalogam soil series. The termite attack was not observed in field crops viz., pulses, castor, brinjal and chilli. termite species
... Developing such barriers is challenging as they must remain efficient as long as the building service life, and sometimes towards different subterranean termites. The aim of this work was to develop a laboratory method to evaluate the efficacy of physical barrier against both the very aggressive C. gestroi and the less virulent R. flavipes (Lewis, 1997;Li et al, 2010), both found on French territory, overseas and metropolitan respectively (Zaremski and Fouquet, 2009). The method was adapted to comply with both termite species, in order to improve its robustness. ...
Assessing physical barrier on the basis of a laboratory test is an important step on the product development, as those barriers have to remain efficient towards subterranean termites as long as the building is in service. This becomes more challenging when the anti-termite barrier has to resist against different termites with
distinct foraging strategies and/or aggressiveness. This work is presenting a laboratory trial that could be considered as a first step in an anti-termite barrier development. The laboratory test was set up with different barriers and is including Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) or Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (ex. santonensis De Feytaud). To improve the test robustness with R. flavipes, far less aggressive and virulent, the barriers were punctured in order to allow primers for termite attack. This method, including a large number of termites (600 workers per test device) was shown discriminant especially for R. flavipes presenting a lower attack level compared to C. gestroi. It was reproducible and reliable to assess the barrier performances and could be considered as a first step evaluation.
The neem tree, Azadirachta indica, is a source of natural compounds with potent insecticidal, feeding deterrent and insect growth regulator activity. However, little information is available on the effects of these natural products on termites. We assessed the effects of mulches made from ground neem branches and roots on survival of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, and compared termite feeding and survival on neem wood and bark to that on susceptible Pseudotsuga menziesii wood. Termite survival was fairly low in both P. menziesii heartwood and neem mulches over the 14 day test period, and did not differ significantly among those treatments. However, termites exposed to either P. menziesii wood, neem wood, or neem bark for 4 weeks fed significantly less on neem wood and bark. Feeding on neem bark caused significant termite mortality (56.4%) in comparison to that induced by feeding on
neem wood (27.1 %) or P. menziesii wood (12.5%). Thus, although neem is not entirely resistant to termite attack, the antifeedant properties of its wood and bark and the toxicity of neem bark support the use of neem trees for arboriculturein areas where termites are a problem.
Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, were exposed to ⩾ 95% or 50% carbon dioxide atmospheres for intervals of 24-120 h at 26(±3)°C. A 24-h exposure to ⩾ 95% carbon dioxide caused significant termite mortality, but 60 h were required for complete mortality. Exposure to 50% carbon dioxide for 60 h resulted in approximately 70% termite mortality, while complete mortality was recorded after 120 h. When termites were sealed in wooden blocks (90 × 90 × 152 mm), 72-96 h exposure to ⩾ 95% carbon dioxide was necessary for complete control. A limited study with Cryptotermes brevis (Walker) suggested that this drywood termite is also susceptible to carbon dioxide fumigation, although slightly longer exposures may be required than with C. formosanus. Carbon dioxide-modified atmospheres are a viable alternative to conventional fumigants for vault fumigation of termite-infested materials, and may also be applicable to larger-scale fumigations to control structural pests.
A cooperative project between Forest Products Laboratories in the United States and Canada, initiated in 1966 to study the control effectiveness of an insecticide-treated termite attractant, is reported. It represents a bait method of control being developed to eradicate relatively large pockets of infestation.
Wooden bait blocks decayed by Lenzites trabea (Pers.) Fr., which attracts termites, with and without poison coating (Mirex insecticide) were installed in experimental plots at Oxley, Ont. An abrupt suppression of termite foraging occurred in plots where insecticide was used. Observations will be continued and work extended to determine whether the poison will prevent subterranean expansion of colonies and to assess its degree of effectiveness in eliminating localized pockets of infestation.