HETEROTERMES AUREUS (SNYDER) (ISOPTERA: RHINOTERMITIDAE) RESEARCH IN ARIZONA

Abstract:
Heterotermes aureus (Snyder) continues to be the number one urban pest in the arid southwest (USA). Demand by pest control operators and consumers regarding information on termiticides and bait technology remains high. The primary control mechanism continues to be liquid barriers, but bait technology is increasing. Price of service for baiting continues to be a deterrent. Termiticide degradation in Arizona soils for covered and exposed plots showed reductions from 17 to 100% in the six products tested after 2 years. A bioassay of the 2nd year soils showed two products with near control survivorship. The addition of pH 11 water to five labeled termiticides had little influence on the ppms recovered nearly a year post-treatment. Some termiticides showed over 95% reduction from initial treatment.