Efficacy of minimum application of chlorfluazuron baiting to control urban subterranean termite populations of coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (blattodea: Rhinotermitidae)

Abstract

Termite infestations in urban areas are a serious problem because they cause negative economic effects, reduce the esthetic value of buildings, damage crops, and require household repairs. Chemical controls are the most common method used against subterranean termites, and baiting has emerged as one of the prominent control methods. The goal of this research was to determine the efficacy of termite baiting by treating one of six active termite stations (selective baiting) with chlorfluazuron baits to eradicate six populations of subterranean termites. This work shows that the placement of chlorfluazuron baits in one of the active stations was sufficient to destroy a colony that was interconnected with multiple chlorfluazuron-free stations. In general, it requires an average of 4–8 weeks for a quantity of less than 300 g of chlorfluazuron bait to remove a termite infestation at the study site.