Suppression of Foraging Populations of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) by Field Applications of a Slow-Acting Toxicant Bait

A-9248 (diiodomethyl para-tolyl sulfone) baits treated at 600 ppm (wt/wt) were introduced into selected trap stations of three colonies of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, in Hallandale, Fla., between November 1987 and November 1988. Termites did not avoid foraging at sites containing treatment and nor was feeding significantly reduced on the treated versus untreated baits. One year after bait application, foraging populations of three colonies that received A-9248baits were reduced 65-98%. The results demonstrated that a toxicant bait can be used to suppress foraging populations of subterranean termite colonies and hence reduce their damage potential.