Control of Foraging Colonies of Subterranean Termites, Coptotermes travians (lsoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Malaysia Using Hexaflumuron Baits

Coptotermes travians (Haviland) is one of the most important subterranean termite pest species attacking urban buildings and structures in Malaysia. Two colonies of C. travians infesting residential premises (Colony A & B), and another one in a natural habitat (Colony C) were characterized. Foraging territories ranged between 125 384 m2, with maximum foraging distances of 17 32 m per colony. At pre-baiting, mean wood consumption were recorded a t 526.4 g month-', 478.2 g month-' and 643.7 g month' for colony A, B and C, respectively. Colony sizes for the three colonies were estimated using a triple markrecapture method. Colony size ranged between 3.2 x lo5 to 1.3 x lo6 workers. Baiting against colonyA and B was done using both in-ground and above-ground hexaflumuron baits, while only in-ground baiting was executed against colony C. The baits caused a substantial reduction in wood consumption rate in independent monitoring stations within 34 44 days post-baiting. At this stage, more soldiers were observed with a small number of workers. No termite activity was visible in the independent monitoring stations, as well a s the bait stations a t 49, 55 and 62 days post-baiting for colony C, A and B, respectively. Some challenges of baiting subterranean termites in Malaysia are discussed.