FIELD EVALUATION of the FIRSTLINE® TERMITE DEFENSE SYSTEMSM USING the DEFENDER™ UNIT

Abstract:
To build upon laboratory studies examining termite (Coptotermes andReticulitermes) behavior and mortality with various configurations of the Defender™ Unit, the Defender Unit was evaluated for field performance as a component of the FirstLine® Termite Defense SystemSM. The Defender Units were installed in numerous field trials throughout the United States to generate data on a) the average time to infestation of the monitors, b) the average time for the transfer of termites from the monitors to the bait stations, c) the ability to protect structures as defined by no termite activity for three months after the baiting phase has been completed, and d) behavioral differences among termite species. Information was also collected to determine the effect of various field conditions on the integrity and performance of the Defender Unit and its components over time. At this time, the Defender Units have exhibited utility in termite population-management efforts by termites infesting monitors, the ready movement of the termites through the Defender Unit components, and transfer of the termites from the monitors to the FirstLine® GT Plus Termite Bait Stations. The Defender Unit will enhance the FirstLine Termite Defense System through the ability to provide quarterly monitoring and baiting.