Efficacy of insecticides in toxic baits against the subterranean termite Microcerotermes diversus (Isoptera: Termitidae)

The subterranean termite Microcerotermes diversus Silvestri (Isoptera: Termitidae) is a significant urban pest that infests wooden objects and trees in urban green spaces, causing substantial damage each year. In this study, the efficacy of four insecticides—azadirachtin, spinosad, emamectin benzoate plus lufenuron, and imidacloprid—was evaluated for controlling this pest under field conditions. To evaluate the antifeedant effects of the insecticides on the insects, bait consumption was determined for each treatment. The results indicated that the lowest consumption was observed for the toxic bait containing azadirachtin, which suggests an antifeedant effect of the botanical insecticide. The highest consumption was observed for the baits containing imidacloprid. To investigate the feeding activity and population status of the foraging termites, oriental beach blocks were subjected to different treatments. The greatest reduction in the weight of the blocks (an index of termite feeding activity) and the highest termite density were observed in the azadirachtin treatment, and the lowest were observed in the imidacloprid and emamectin benzoate + lufenuron treatments. Therefore, the field experiments indicated that among the different treatments, imidacloprid and emamectin benzoate plus lufenuron are the best candidates for use as toxic baits against M. diversus. Although azadirachtin is not an appropriate insecticide for use in toxic baits against M. diversus due to its antifeedant property, it can be used as an effective antifeedant compound to protect wooden objects or as a barrier against termite entry into protected environments.

کلیدواژه ها:

Termiticide ، repellency ، urban pest ، baiting system ، IPM