Effect of Behavior on the Evaluation of Insecticides for Prevention of or Remedial Control of the Formosan Subterranean Termite12

Laboratory techniques developed to evaluate insecticides for prevention or remedial control of infestations of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki showed that the evaluation could not be based on mortality alone. The behavioral responses of the termites to the insecticides had to be considered. The termites can seal off or avoid treated areas and effectively protect themselves. Factors causing this behavior appear to be the repellency of the insecticide itself or chemical factor (s) associated with dead termites. The insecticides tested could be divided into three groups, depending on the reactions of the termites. Types I and II can be used in preventative treatments. Only type III can be used in remedial treatments.