Studies On Foraging And Evaluations Of Imidacloprid Treatments For Controlling Subterranean Termites In Selected Premises (Isoptera : Rhinotermitidae)

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Date
2008-03
Authors
Ab Majid, Abdul Hafiz
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Abstract
A survey was conducted in Penang to determine the main termite infestation in buildings. From the survey, it was discovered that Coptoterrnes was the main genus of termites found inside and outside building structures and they caused serious destructions. Other species like Odontoterrnes sp, Macroterrnes gilvus, Macroterrnes carbonarious, Globiterrnes sulphureus and Microterrnes pakistanicus were also found in the surrounding structures. The genus Coptotermes was found infesting 13 out of 25 premises. From the foraging study, the population of C. gestroi was estimated to be around 56, 127.:!:11 ,925 up to 4, 185,000.:!:2127328. Coptoterrnes curvignathus was found only in one site. The population was estimated around 2,871 ,694.:!:1 ,683,98 . Additionally, the foraging territory of C. gestroi was within 0.6 m2 up to 300 m2 and 324.4 m2 for C. curvignathus. The mean feeding consumption of C. gestroi was within 1.0464 .:!:0.853 up to 130.320 .:!: 26.486 gram for every two weeks. For C. curvignathus, the mean feeding consumption was 89.7500 .:!:16.154 gram for every two weeks. The non-repellent termiticide (Premise 200SC) containing 18% w/w imidacloprid was applied as minimum as possible around the exterior building perimeter plus the limited interior, especially at the termite infestation area. The delayed mode of action of Premise 200SC permits the transfer of this toxicant from exposed termites to the unexposed nest mates through social interactions including mutual grooming. This cause secondary mortality in subterranean termite population. Therefore, to minimize pesticide use and intrusion to homes, the efficacy of an innovative limited interior perimeter plus the external perimeter application of imidacloprid (PremiseĀ® 200SC) as an IPM option in post-construction termite control was evaluated. Seven private houses were chosen for the minimum application of imidacloprid. The study showed some very promising results. All the structures that were treated with minimum interior drilling showed full control of the foraging termite population inside the structures within a period of 2 to 12 weeks. However, one site was given a full perimeter treatment of internal and external perimeter drilling for the purpose of comparison to show that the termite population can be successfully controlled within the period of 6 weeks only
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Foraging And Evaluations Of Imidacloprid Treatments , For Controlling Subterranean Termites
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