SUBTERFUGE® TERMITE BAIT for CONTROL of SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES (ISOPTERA: RHINOTERMITIDAE) in the UNITED STATES

Abstract:
Subterfuge® termite bait contains 0.3% hydramethylnon in a wood-flour matrix. Hydramethylnon provides a delayed-action mortality that allows for transfer of lethal doses within the termite population, followed by a relatively rapid elimination of the termites. Subterfuge® is effective in controlling all key subterranean termites found in the United States, including Coptotermes, Reticulitermes, and Heterotermes spp. University cooperators, private contractors, and BASF personnel initiated field trials in four states in 2000. The data from these trials to-date show termite recruitment to Subterfuge® is excellent; approximately 40-50% of the baits were fed upon within the initial three months after installation. Bait consumption by termites ranged from approximately 15-30% during the same time period. Over 30% of the baits fed upon at one month after installation had termites present. The number of termites present in the bait decreased over subsequent months as the overall population was eliminated. Within four months after installation, 100% of the termite activity in the structures had been eliminated. These field trials demonstrate very rapid recruitment of key subterranean termite species to Subterfuge®, continuous feeding activity, and elimination of termites from structures. BASF will launch Subterfuge® in the United States in 2002.