Evaluating a Baiting System For Management of Termites in Buildings (India) and Earthen Dam Walls (Botswana)

Abstract:
The Exterraä Termite Interception and Baiting System (Ensystex Inc., Fayetteville, NC) was evaluated in field experiments in India and Botswana. Alpha-cellulose powder containing chlorfluazuron (Requiemä) was tested for its efficacy in eliminating colonies of various subterranean termite species in buildings and earthen dam walls. Termite baiting has gained wide acceptance for the management of termites in urban environments. Eight infested buildings and eight active mounds were treated at each experimental site (Dehradun, Mysore, and Roorkee) in India. Management of termites around earthen dam walls is a difficult issue since it is essential that the purity of the water for human consumption is maintained. This usually means that toxic soil termiticides cannot be used. The work involved the protection of more than 25 kilometres of dam walls at five major sites (Bokaa, Gaborone, Letsibogo, Nyywane and Shashe Dams) in Botswana. Using 0.1% weight/weight chlorfluazuron there was no evidence of repellence and all colonies were eliminated.