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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Keywords
Foraging And Evaluations Of Imidacloprid Treatments , For Controlling Subterranean Termites