Suppression of a subterranean termite community (Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae, Reticulitermes) using a baiting system: a case study in Chatsworth, California, USA.

Abstract:
The RockPointe Condominium Complex in Chatsworth, California, USA, has had a long history of subterranean termite activity and termite-related homeowner complaints. A total of 7,327 Sentricon® stations were installed between October and December of 2001 along the perimeter of 134 buildings, and inspected monthly thereafter. Sentricon® stations with actively foraging termites present were immediately baited with hexaflumuron following label instructions. The active ingredient was changed to noviflumuron in April 2003. When feasible, auxillary stations were installed adjacent to the active stations to increase the rate of station discovery and enhance bait consumption. Within two months of installation, 41% of the buildings had stations that revealed visual signs of subterranean termite activity. These stations were then baited. This percentage rose to 90% after 6 months and 95% after one year. A total of 423 auxillary stations were installed between February 2001 and October 2003. Of the 7,327 stations initially installed, 12% had subterranean termite activity; 13% of the auxiliary stations became active. Comparing newly active stations between 2002 and 2003 resulted in 70% fewer stations with new activity, likely the result of baiting. Since March 2004, a few stations have become active. A reduction in resident’s complaints of termites at the complex paralleled the reduction of termites in stations at the site. These results strongly suggest that the ongoing baiting program utilizing the Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System has had a significant impact on the subterranean termite population at this site.