Large-scale Suppression of a Subterranean Termite Community Using the Sentricon~R Termite Colony Elimination System: A Case Study in Chatsworth, California, USA

摘要

Prior to 2001, a condominium complex in Chatsworth, California, USA, had a long history of subterranean termite activity and termite-related home owner complaints. Sentricon~R stations were installed along the perimeters of 134 buildings, and inspected monthly thereafter. Sentricon~R stations with actively foraging termites were immediately baited followinglabel instructions. Two species of Reticulitermes were found at this site: R. hesperus Banks and an undescribed species of Reticulitermes (known as cuticular hydrocarbon phenotype SCA-B). When feasible, auxiliary, or additional, stations were installed adjacent to the active stations to increase the rate of station discovery and to enhance bait consumption. Within two months of installation, 41% of the buildings had Sentricon~Rstations with signs of subterranean termite activity. This percentage rose to 90% after 6 months and 95% after one year. Of the 7,327 Sentricon~R stations initially installed, 12% had subterranean termite activity; 13% of the auxiliary stations had subterranean termite activity. Between 2002 and 2003,70% fewer Sentricon~R stations developed new termite activity, likely the result of baiting. After March 2004, very few Sentricon stations became active. These results strongly suggest that the baiting program utilizing the Sentricon~R Termite Colony Elimination System had a significant impact on both species of Reticulitermes in the subterranean termite community at this site.