Elimination of structural and tree infestations of the Asian subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) with noviflumuron baits in above-ground stations

The traditional stake survey and in-ground (IG) monitoring stations have been ineffective in aggregating the Asian subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) in southeastern Florida. In this study, we used both IG and above-ground (AG) Sentricon stations to monitor and bait C. gestroi, and as expected, none of the 83 IG stations was intercepted. Despite this, AG bait stations with 0.5% noviflumuron were successfully used to eliminate C. gestroi colonies. From 2 field experiments, the mean colony elimination time (+/- SD) using AG baits were 6.4 +/- 3.8 wk (n = 4) and 8.0 +/- 2.1 wk (n = 12), respectively. Such results were compatible with baiting studies against field colonies of C. gestroi elsewhere, that is, 4-9 wk. The successful rates in monitoring and baiting of C. gestroi with IG stations in other regions also varied, which may be due to the variabilities in tunnel geometry of this species in different environments. In areas with established C. gestroi populations, routine inspection for signs of activity in structures and surrounding trees can be a critical component for pest control providers for early detection of infestation and colony elimination with AG bait stations.

Automated summary

The traditional stake survey and in-ground (IG) monitoring stations are ineffective in aggregating the Asian subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) in southeastern Florida. However, above-ground (AG) Sentricon stations with 0.5% noviflumuron were successfully used to eliminate C. gestroi colonies with an average elimination time of 6.4 - 8.0 weeks.