Foraging behavior and bait station preference in scavenging termite, Odontotermes obesus (Blattodea: Termitidae)

Termites are a significant pest of buildings, agriculture, and trees, and are mainly controlled by baiting. However, baiting systems are available for only lower termites (Rhinotermitidae) not for higher termites (Termitidae). Termite foraging behavior associated with baiting systems varies among species and families, and plays a significant role in baiting success. Here, foraging behavior of Odontotermes obesus (Blattodea: Termitidae: Macrotermitinae), a fungus-growing higher termite, was investigated relative to three bait-station sizes (small, medium, and large) containing different quantities of food. Significantly more workers recruited to large stations (470/station) compared to medium (246/station) and small (124/station) stations. Abundance of O. obesus in large and medium stations significantly positively correlated with relative humidity whereas negative but non-significant correlations were observed with temperature in large and medium stations. Total and continuous contacts with the stations increased with time and were greater in large stations. Station abandonment due to disturbance was significantly less in large stations (3%) followed by medium (9%) and small stations (20%). Our results suggest that large stations (approximate to 8 litres volume) work best for population management of O. obesus and other related fungus-growing higher termites.

Automated summary

Large bait stations (approximately 8 liters volume) are the most effective for population management of O. obesus and other related fungus-growing higher termites. The success of baiting systems is related to termite foraging behavior, with more workers recruited to large stations and abundance of O. obesus positively correlated with relative humidity in large and medium stations.