Field evaluation of the effectiveness of three timber species as bait stakes and the bait toxicant hexaflumuron in eradicating Coptotermes acinaciformis (Froggatt) (Isoptera: Rhinotermidae)

Abstract

Two aspects of the Sentricon* Termite Colony Elimination System were evaluated in a field experiment near Townsville, Australia. Firstly, stakes of Australian-grown Pinus radiata D. Don (radiata pine) and Eucalyptus regnans F , Muell. (mountain ash) and North American-grown Pinus spp, (southern yellow pine) were exposed to subterranean termites in an in-ground bioassay. Stakes in bait containers were consumed by Coptotermes acinaciformis (Froggatt ) foraging from mounds. Susceptibility of these timbers was evaluated with regard to their potential as termite bait stakes. Variation between timbers is described. Large variation in termite responses to southern yellow pine can be expected especially where sapwood and heartwood are used. Mountain ash appeared more susceptible to termite damage. Baitube* devices containing 0%, 0.1% and 1% w/w hexaflumuron bait toxicant in dry wood flour (Recruit* termite bait) were readily accepted by C. acina ciformis, with no apparent repellency. There was considerable variation in caste susceptibility to hexaflumuron. The queen and brood appear particularly vulnerable to the effect of hexaflumuron compared with the workers and soldiers. The Sentricon system was successful in eradicating field colonies of C. acinaciformis. Schedorhinotermes sp. and Nasutitermes sp. were found in some of the C. acinaciformis mounds, following colony eradication. The significance of this succession is mentioned.