Control of Foraging Colonies of Subterranean Termites, Coptotermes travians (Isoptera: Rhinotermltldae) in Malaysia Using Hexaflumuron Baits

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Date
2004
Authors
Lee, Chow Yang
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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.
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