Impacts on Reticulitermes flavipes (Infraorder Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) by chlorantraniliprole applied to soil surrounding established tunnels

Abstract

Soil-applied liquid termiticides are the most common control measure for subterranean termites. Characteristics unique to insecticidal chemistries such as repellency, toxicity, and time between contact and mortality, influence the interaction of termites with treated soil and overall treatment success. Two different treated-tunnel bioassays were used to evaluate the behavioral impacts and mortality of termites from treatment with chlorantraniliprole (the active ingredient in Altriset® termiticide) to existing, mature tunnels. Termites that were provided constant access to a 10-cm-long mature tunnel within soil treated with 5 or 50 ppm chlorantraniliprole were not repelled by the treatment and began exhibiting slower, uncoordinated movement, and cessation of tunneling and feeding in as little as 1 h after access. Termites provided access for 7, 14, or 21 d to previously constructed tunnels recently treated with 50 ppm chlorantraniliprole exhibited complete or near complete mortality by 28 d. The second bioassay design resembled a more typical field situation with a 40-cm-long mature tunnel and termites allowed access for a maximum of 5 min. Termites collected after just 5 min of access to the previously constructed tunnels recently treated with 50 ppm chlorantraniliprole exhibited similar symptomology within an hour followed by complete mortality at 18 d after exposure. These test designs simulate what occurs in the soil around an infested structure at the time of treatment. Results from these evaluations suggest that termites readily crawl through chlorantraniliprole-treated mature tunnels, rapidly lose ability to feed, and acquire a lethal dose from brief exposures.