Areawide Management of Subterranean Termites in South Mississippi Using Baits

by M.G. Rojas, J.A. Morales-Ramos, M.E. Lockwood, L. Etheridge, J.B. Carroll, C.H. Coker, and P.R. Knight

Use of baits for areawide suppression of formosan subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki) and native subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) and R. virginicus (Banks)) was evaluated under field conditions at Keesler Air Base Force, Biloxi, MS. This test was designated to evaluate the feasibility of controlling subterranean termites by an areawide management strategy using a nutritionally based bait matrix to carry the active ingredient. The active ingredient, diflubenzuron, was delivered via the USDA-ARS bait matrix formulation. Quarterra interception and baiting systems were used for bait delivery. Test sites were selected based on 2,000 alate data. The test area consisted of 12 neighborhoods: 6 treated and 6 controls. One hundred and fifty stations per site were installed in a grid pattern around structures, trees, and shrubs. Every fifth station in each site was designated as an independent monitor. Pair comparison between treatment and control was done. Temperature, termite activity, and bait consumption were measured monthly from April 2001 to October 2003. Formosan subterranean termite activity stopped in April 2004. Black and white, 50 pages.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Technical Bulletin 1917

January 2008

While supplies last, you may order one free copy by mail from M.G. Rojas, National Biological Control Laboratory, Biological Control of Pests Research Unit, 59 Lee Road, Stoneville, MS 38776-0067, or by e-mail at Guadalupe.Rojas@ars.usda.gov or Juan.MoralesRamos@ars.usda.gov.

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