Descriptive Study of Non-Repellent Insecticide-Induced Behaviors in Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

The effects of three slow acting non-repellent insecticides on the behavior of the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Koller) was investigated in a continuous exposure study. Abnormal behaviors of fipronil and indoxicarb treated termites were similar; incipient intoxication (disorientation), followed by ataxia (uncoordinated movements), and morbundity (lack of ability to walk) leading to death. Reduction in walking speed (followed by morbundity and death) was the major behavioral symptom of chlorantraniliprole treated termites. The importance of behavior-based studies, particularly behavioral endpoints, to the development and use of non-repellent termiticides is discussed.