Pestman's technical team conducted a test to observe the effectiveness of using a bait containing 10% hexaflumuron to attract and kill termites. Pestman® hexaflumuron termite bait mixed with attractant and pesticide. Lured by the bait, termites feed on the Pestman termite bait and take it back to the colony. Then they will feed the bait to other termites. Eventually the entire colony termites will be eliminated.
Pestman’s technical team conducted a test to observe the effectiveness of using a bait containing 10% hexaflumuron to attract and kill termites. The termite species observed was Coptotermes. Coptotermes is a genus of subterranean termites that is widely recognized for its destructive capabilities, particularly in urban environments and settings. As one of the most economically significant termite genera, Coptotermes species are responsible for causing severe damage to wooden structures, crops, and trees. These termites are found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, with notable populations in Asia, Australia, and parts of the United States.
Experimental Process
The experiment aimed to assess the effectiveness of 10% hexaflumuron bait in controlling Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termites) infestations. The experiment was conducted by Pestman’s technical staff in Deqing, Zhejiang Province,China, where termite-infested trees were selected as the test sites. The researchers focused on testing the bait’s ability to eliminate termite colonies in a controlled, real-world setting.
1. Preparation and Setup:
Pestman’s technical staff first installed monitoring and baiting devices around the selected trees, which were known to have termite activity. To estimate the termite colony size, a marking and recapture technique was used, where termites were marked with a non-toxic dye and then returned to their colonies. The population of termites in each colony was calculated using this method.
2. Bait Application:
After determining the approximate size of the termite colonies, the team applied varying doses of the 10% hexaflumuron bait to each colony. The amount of bait used ranged from 100 grams to 200 grams per colony. The bait was carefully placed in areas where termites were most active, ensuring the highest likelihood of consumption.
3.Monitoring and Observations:
The team monitored the treated colonies over a period of several weeks. The bait’s effectiveness was observed through regular checks of the monitoring devices, tracking the presence and activity of termites. The team noted that the termites actively consumed the bait, and through their natural feeding behavior, spread the bait within the colony, causing a domino effect of colony-wide exposure.
4.Data Collection:
The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated based on two key factors: the rate of bait consumption by the termites and the timeline for complete colony eradication. The team performed checks every 7 days (with adjustments for rainy weather) to assess the extent of the termite activity, and to check when the bait led to the cessation of termite activity.
Conclusions
The experimental results were quite promising, showing that 10% hexaflumuron bait is an effective solution for controlling Formosan subterranean termites in a relatively short period.
1.Speed of Action:
The bait demonstrated a significant effect within 28 to 42 days, with an average of 33.7 days required for complete elimination of the termite colonies. This rapid result contrasts with the much longer times typically required by conventional termite control methods, which can take several months.
2.Effective Dosage:
The different doses of bait (100g, 150g, and 200g) all showed positive results in eliminating the colonies, with no significant difference in eradication times across the doses. This suggests that 100 grams per colony is an adequate amount for effectively controlling a termite infestation, making it a more cost-effective option.
3.Palatability and Colony Spread:
Termites were highly attracted to the hexaflumuron bait, consuming it within 9 to 14 days of application. Once ingested, the termites transferred the bait to other colony members through social feeding behaviors. This spread of the bait through trophallaxis contributed to the rapid collapse of the entire colony, showing that the treatment worked on a community-wide level.
4.No Need for Repeated Treatments:
Unlike some traditional termite control methods, which often require multiple applications, the single treatment with hexaflumuron bait was sufficient to eradicate the colonies. This makes the treatment not only effective but also more convenient for homeowners and pest control professionals.
5.Long-Term Effectiveness:
Follow-up checks conducted several months later showed no signs of termite activity in the treated areas, confirming the long-term efficacy of the treatment.
Conclusion
The study confirmed that 10% hexaflumuron bait is an effective and efficient solution for termite control, with the ability to eliminate Formosan subterranean termite colonies within a short timeframe (28 to 42 days). The bait’s high palatability to termites, combined with its ability to spread throughout the colony, ensures that it can achieve full colony eradication without the need for multiple treatments. For pest control companies, this is a means to improve work efficiency and reduce costs.
This breakthrough in termite control is not only faster than traditional methods but also more efficient, making it a promising option for homeowners and pest control professionals looking for a reliable and rapid solution to termite infestations. Pestman’s technical staff have proven that hexaflumuron is a powerful tool in the fight against one of the most destructive pests in the world. We have already commercialized it. If you are interested, please contact us and we can deliver the product to your address in your country.
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Termites cause extensive damage to buildings each year, often requiring costly repairs. However, finding evidence of termites is not an immediate cause for alarm. It typically takes several years of termite feeding for a building to become structurally weakened. In this article, we will share with you various professional termite treatment methods.
Tangong Villa, located in Shanghai, is an old residential area covering more than 47,384.6 square meters. Constructed between 2004 and 2005, this upscale villa complex features low-rise residences and row villas, with paved concrete surfaces providing natural barriers that reduce the risk of termite propagation. Due to these conditions, no significant termite issues were reported in the years following its construction.
However, in June 2024, a homeowner in Villa No. 23 reported termite swarms within their property. Upon inspection, the termites were identified as Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termite). The house had been vacant for some time, which allowed the termite colony to grow undisturbed, resulting in extensive activity. Key findings included visible mud tubes and wood damage in specific locations.
The in-ground termite bait station is a device designed specifically to monitor and control subterranean termites. These bait stations are installed below ground around buildings or other structures that require protection. By attracting termites into the station to feed on bait laced with slow-acting toxins, the poison is carried back to the colony, eventually eliminating or controlling the entire termite population.
Coptotermes is a genus of subterranean termites that is widely recognized for its destructive capabilities, particularly in urban environments and settings. As one of the most economically significant termite genera, Coptotermes species are responsible for causing severe damage to wooden structures, crops, and trees. These termites are found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, with notable populations in Asia, Africa, Australia, and parts of the United States.
Taxonomy and Species
The Coptotermes genus belongs to the family Rhinotermitidae, which includes other economically important termites as well. Within the genus, there are several species, with Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termite) being one of the most notorious. Other species, such as Coptotermes acinaciformis and Coptotermes vastator, are also of concern in various parts of the world. These termites are well adapted to a variety of environments and can thrive in both humid and dry conditions, though they prefer areas with high moisture levels.
Behavior and Ecology
Coptotermes termites are subterranean by nature, meaning they live and feed underground. They are known for constructing extensive tunnel systems beneath the soil surface, which they use to access food sources such as wood, plant matter, and other cellulose-rich materials. These tunnels are often hidden from view, making early detection difficult and allowing them to cause significant damage before the infestation is noticed. The colonies of Coptotermes can grow to massive sizes, with populations numbering in the millions of individuals. A single colony may consist of a queen, king, workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites, each with specific roles in maintaining the colony's survival.
One of the most remarkable features of Coptotermes termites is their ability to consume wood. They feed primarily on dead or decaying wood, breaking it down with the help of specialized microorganisms in their gut. This process of cellulose digestion is aided by the symbiotic bacteria and protozoa that live in their intestines, enabling them to derive nutrition from plant fibers. In doing so, Coptotermes plays a role in nutrient cycling in natural ecosystems, breaking down dead plant material and returning valuable nutrients to the soil. However, when these termites infest human structures, their ability to digest wood becomes a destructive force, weakening the integrity of buildings and other wooden infrastructures.
Economic Impact
The damage caused by Coptotermes can be significant, particularly in areas with large populations of these termites. The most notable impact is on wooden structures such as houses, buildings, and infrastructure, where Coptotermes can cause extensive damage to support beams, flooring, and other structural components. Their feeding habits often go undetected for long periods, as they typically work from the inside out, hollowing out wooden beams and columns while leaving the outer surface intact. This makes it difficult for homeowners and building managers to identify infestations early.
In addition to structural damage, Coptotermes termites can also harm agricultural crops, especially in regions where they feed on trees and shrubs. The destruction of crops can lead to significant financial losses for farmers, particularly in areas where wood is a key resource for local economies. The high reproductive rate of these termites means that an infestation can spread quickly, making effective management and control essential for preventing widespread damage.
Control and Management
Managing Coptotermes infestations can be challenging due to their hidden nature and large colonies. Common methods of control include the use of liquid termiticides, baiting systems, and physical barriers designed to prevent termites from accessing wooden structures. In severe cases, fumigation may be necessary to eliminate the colony. Ongoing monitoring and preventive measures, such as regular inspections and treatment of vulnerable areas, are critical for keeping Coptotermes at bay.
In conclusion, Coptotermes termites are a highly destructive pest that can cause significant damage to both man-made structures and natural ecosystems. Their ability to thrive in diverse environments, coupled with their hidden feeding habits, makes them a constant challenge for pest control professionals. Understanding the behavior and ecology of Coptotermes is essential for developing effective management strategies and minimizing their impact on both buildings and agriculture.
