Effects of four chitin synthesis inhibitors on feeding and mortality of the Eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Baiting for termite population management has shown great potential. Studies have shown successful use of diflubenzuron and hexaflumuron in commercially available baiting systems. Both are chitin synthesis inhibitors in the benzoylphenyl urea chemcial group. Other pesticides in this same chemical grouping have shown activity against termites, but comparative research has been lacking. This study measured changes in feeding and mortality of the Eastern subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes when exposed to paper discs treated with one of four chitin synthesis inhibitors including; diflubenzuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, and triflumuron in laboratory tests. All were benzoylphenyl ureas, and tests included five different concentrations of each. Evidence of the "Jackknifed" posture characteristic of chitin synthesis inhibition during eclosion when Molting, overall mean survivor-ship, and survivorship through time were all observed. The results varied with chemical and concentration, but all treatments caused more mortality among termite populations than untreated controls. When presented with choices, R.flavipes did not show definitive preferences in a majority of the tests. Lufenuron was highly acceptable to R.flavipes, and caused high rates of mortality at all concentrations tested. Hexaflumuron and triflumuron showed similar acceptability and mortality at only two of the concentrations tested. Although diflubezuron was acceptable to the termites, mortality at six weeks post-exposure was significantly lower than with other chemicals tested.