Control of Foraging Colonies of Subterranean Termites, Coptotermes travians (Isoptera: Rhinotermltldae) in Malaysia Using Hexaflumuron Baits
Loading...
Date
2004
Authors
Lee, Chow Yang
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Coptotennes travtans (Haviland) is one of the most important subterranean
termite pest species attacking urban buildings and structures
in Malaysia. Two colonies of C. travians infesting residential premises
(Colony A & B), and another one in a natural habitat (Colony C) were
characterized. Foraging territories ranged between 125 - 384 m2, with
maximum foraging distances of 17 - 32 m per colony. At pre-baiting,
mean wood consumption were recorded at 526.4 g montirI
, 478.2 g
month-l and 643.7 g month-l for colony A, Band C, respectively. Colony
sizes for the three colonies were estimated using a triple markrecapture
method. Colony size ranged between 3.2 x 105 to 1.3 X 106
workers. Baiting against colony A and B was done using both in-ground
and above-ground hexaflumuron baits, while only in-ground baiting
was executed against colony C. The baits caused a substantial reduction
in wood consumption rate in independent monitoring stations
within 34 - 44 days post-baiting. At this stage, more soldiers were
observed with a small number of workers. No termite activity was visible
in the independent monitoring stations, as well as the bait stations at
49, 55 and 62 days post-baiting for colony C. A and B, respectively.
Some challenges of baiting subterranean termites in Malaysia are
discussed.