Journal of Economic Entomology Advance Access published October 15, 2016

Journal of Economic Entomology, 2016, 1–8

doi: 10.1093/jee/tow211
Research article
Apiculture & Social Insects

Evaluation of Chlorfluazuron Against Subterranean

Termites Heterotermes indicola (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
in Pakistan
Farkhanda Manzoor,1 and Mahnoor Pervez
Department of Zoology, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan (doc_farkhanda@yahoo.com; mahnoorentomology@
gmail.com), and 1Corresponding author, e-mail: doc_farkhanda@yahoo.com
Received 17 April 2016; Accepted 7 September 2016

Abstract

Downloaded from http://jee.oxfordjournals.org/ by guest on October 16, 2016

Baiting systems have been introduced using slow-acting bait toxicants to provide environment-friendly and
target-specific termite management. In the present study, the Exterra termite bait system (USA) with chlor-
fluazuron, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, as the active ingredient was tested against termite colonies. Ten resi-
dential areas of Lahore, infested with subterranean termites were selected for the study. The study period
was from 2013 to 2015. In-ground stations were installed at 10 sites and above-ground stations were only in-
stalled at four test sites. Requiem termite bait was prepared according to the label instructions. Results
showed that the range of termite activity was between 30 and 214 d to first termite activity on underground
monitors with a mean of 78.23 6 6.44. Timeline graphs also show activity of termites and active ingredient
placement for each of the stations at each site. As termite feeding activity in the stations increased, there
was a decrease in termite activities in wooden structures, followed by cessation of termite feeding and for-
aging activity noted in the building structures. It was concluded that a termite baiting system in Pakistan
has the potential to suppress and reduce termite populations, when foraging termites feed on the active in-
gredient and share with nest mates through trophallaxis by installing more bait stations and prolonging
baiting period.

Key words: bait toxicant, Heterotermes indicola, chitin synthesis inhibitor

Subterranean termites are serious, destructive, xylophagous structural
pests of economic importance in urban communities. They require
dead and decaying organic materials such as wood, leaf litter, and
animal dung as a food source (Baskaran et al. 2000). These ter-
mites cause significant damage to residential buildings in Lahore.
Various species are responsible for the economic loss of several
hundred million rupees annually, and an equal amount is spent by
the owners for the prevention and control of the termite infest-
ations. The large population size of the colonies, aggressive nature,
and serious damage to wooden structures within relatively short
periods make these termites a serious economic pest (Cornelius and
Osbrink 2001, Jones 2003).
Baiting systems have been used for the control of subterranean
termites for more than 20 years now in other regions (Su 2002, Su
et al. 2003). They represent a paradigm shift from conventional ter-
miticide soil barriers. One of the major advantages of the baiting
system approach is the ability to reduce or eliminate subterranean
termite populations (Lax and Osbrink 2003). Current termite bait-
ing system technologies utilize chitin synthesis inhibitors (CSIs) such
as hexaflumuron, diflubenzuron, and chlorfluazuron (CFZ) as active
ingredients (Getty et al. 2000; Sheet et al. 2000). CFZ is a
benzoylphenylurea that acts as a potent CSI. CFZ is effective against
subterranean termites both in laboratory and field conditions (Rojas
and Ramos 2001). Lee et al.(2014) studied the efficacy of 0.1%
CFZ cellulose baits against Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen), and results
showed that colony members were unhealthy and deformed, popula-
tion decreased by 90%, and the queens appeared unhealthy, but in
large-sized colonies, population size decreased to 40% and only
trace amounts of CFZ were found in workers, larvae, and fungus
comb. Baiting systems provide a slow-acting bait toxicant, with an
environment-friendly and target-specific management strategy
(Broadbent 2011). Baiting systems, because of their efficacy, have
gained popularity for the management (suppression or elimination)
of termite populations through toxicant delivery provided with a
palatable cellulose food source. The strategy is dependent upon for-
aging workers’ activity spreading the toxicant through the colony’s
social network via trophallaxis to provide the required inhibition of
the normal growth, development, and metamorphosis of the colony
members (Grady et al. 2008).
Previous studies reveal that there is successful elimination or sup-
pression of lower termite species (Rhinotermitids) using CSIs (Su
et al. 1997, Tsunoda et al. 1998, Peters and Fitzgerald 2003,
Cabrera and Thoms 2006, Evans 2010, Haverty et al. 2010, Evans
and Iqbal 2014). But relatively few studies have evaluated the

C The Authors 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America.
V
All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com 1
2 Journal of Economic Entomology, 2016, Vol. 0, No. 0
Fig. 1. Map: Exterra baits installed in different localities of Lahore.
effectiveness of CSI-based baits against higher termites (termitids)
(Peppuy et al. 1998, Neoh et al. 2011).
This is the first study in Pakistan in which the Exterra termite
bait system with CFZ as the active ingredient was tested. Low con-
centrations of this active bait toxicant in combination with a cellu-
lose diet were investigated and evaluated against subterranean
termite species in infested residential buildings in Lahore.
Materials and Methods
Study Site
Eleven structures infested with subterranean termite species in dif-
ferent residential areas of Lahore were selected for treatment. The
number of stations installed at each test structure varied depending
upon the size. Installation dates varied because it was not possible to
start all treatments at the same time. The selected study areas in
Lahore were Johar Town, OPF Society, Defence Housing Society,
Shadman, Shah Jamal, LCCI Society, Faisal Town, Bahria Town,
Gulberg, Cavalry Ground (MAP), and Samanabad (as control site;
Fig. 1). At all test sites, in-ground station (IGSs) were installed in the
lawns and soil around the perimeter of the structures. Above-ground
stations (AGSs) were installed at four test sites, inside the houses at
the active infestation points, with the consent of the owners.
Termite traps (bucket trap with poplar wood) were installed in dif-
ferent places before installing baits.
Bait Stations
The Exterra termite baiting systems and Requiem termite (0.1 g/kg
CFZ in an alpha-cellulose matrix) were provided by Ensystex Inc.,
Downloaded from http://jee.oxfordjournals.org/ by guest on October 16, 2016
Fayetteville, USA. The Exterra termite interception and baiting sys-
tem consists of Requiem termite bait, Exterra IGS, eucalyptus timber
interceptors, FOCUS termite attractant granules, and Exterra AGS.
Requiem termite bait is the registered bait component of the Exterra
termite interception and baiting system. Requiem is an odorless,
white amorphous powder that disperses in water. At the control
site, blank cellulose powder was used while installing traps.
Exterra IGS Installation
The Exterra IGS is a patented design consisting of a hollow plastic
container with perforations in its walls and bottom, an opening at
the top, and a removable tamper-resistant cover affixed over the
opening. Stations are supplied in two halves and were assembled by
lining up and squeezing the tongue and groove locks of the two
halves together, and then inserting the station locking buttons in
place. Six wood interceptors were installed in each station. These
consisted of six untreated pieces of Eucalyptusdelegatensis measur-
ing 175 mm 6 3.0 mm by 36.5 mm 6 1.0 mm by 5 mm 6 0.5 mm.
The removable station lid was fixed using the station key provided.
Following the label instructions, Exterra IGSs were installed
around the perimeter of the infested structures. Appropriate-sized
holes were drilled in the soil at 3-5-m intervals and IGSs were placed
in these holes. FOCUS termite attractant granules were placed in the
soil prior to station insertion. Depending upon the soil moisture,
water was sprayed in the soil to maintain the moisture required for
the FOCUS to generate carbon dioxide to attract the termites.
Station lids were numbered with an indelible marker pen.
Stations were inspected for termite activity, ensuring minimal
disturbance. Inspections were carried out regularly, at least twice
monthly, until termite activity was observed. Once termite activity
Journal of Economic Entomology, 2016, Vol. 0, No. 0 3

Table 1. Termite activity at test sites on Exterra baiting system (mean 6 SEM)

No. Sites Days of first “tamu” tamu Mean 6 SEM

1 Johar Town 46, 30, 30, 30, 30 5/6 33.2 6 3.20

2 OPF Society 30, 30, 30, 30, 30, 47 6/7 32.8 6 2.83
3 Defence Housing Society 46, 46, 32, 32, 32, 32 6/6 36.6 6 2.95
4 Shadman 67, 67, 86, 67, 86 5/5 74.6 6 4.65
5 Shah Jamal 35, 67, 35, 51, 51, 51, 67 7/7 51.0 6 4.93
6 LCCI 72, 72, 52, 36, 36, 36, 52, 20, 52 9/10 48.0 6 5.19
7 Faisal Town 192, 214, 192, 214 4/5 203.0 6 6.35
8 Bahria Town 120, 125, 125, 150, 150 5/6 134 6 6.59
9 Gulberg 75, 54, 54, 75, 75 5/5 66.60 6 5.14
10 Cavalry Ground 167, 61, 91, 91 4/6 102.5 6 22.63
11 Samanabad 30, 30, 30, 35, 40, 35 6/6 33.2 6 2.35
Cumulative Range: 30-214 56/63 78.23 6 6.44

“tamu”: termite activity on underground monitors.

Table 2. Summary of results of termite control by Exterra termite baiting system

No. Sites Total installed Stations Stations without Stations with termites Stations without termites at

Downloaded from http://jee.oxfordjournals.org/ by guest on October 16, 2016

IGS/AGS with AI consumption AI consumption at the end of the activity the end of the activity

1 Johar Town 6/3 5/3 1/0 3/0 2/3

2 OPF Society 7/3 6/3 1/0 3/0 3/3
3 Defence Housing Society 6 6 0 3 3
4 Shadman 5 5 0 2 3
5 Shah Jamal 7 7 0 3 4
6 LCCI 10/2 7/2 4/0 0/0 7/2
7 Faisal Town 5/4 4/3 1/1 2/0 1/3
8 Bahria Town 6 5 1 0 6
9 Gulberg 5 5 0 3 2
10 Cavalry Ground 6 4 2 1 2

IGS, in-ground station; AGS, above-ground station; AI, active ingredient.

was evident, the stations were baited with Requiem termite bait.
Requiem was prepared according to label instructions by mixing the
recommended quantity of water. Regular inspections ensured the re-
placement of the consumed Requiem to ensure continuous supply.
Station monitoring continued every 2-4 wk for 3 yr. Observations
were made and recorded at each station. Observations were recorded
to determine the efficacy and active ingredient consumption. The
number of days between station installation and first observed termite
activity on underground monitors was also recorded. Surviving ter-
mites were collected and counted at the start of the period before the
placement of bait and at the end of the period after the placement of
the bait. The mean number of termites found in all stations was
counted, and the number of surviving termites among treatments was
compared with a t-test.
Exterra AGS Installation
Box-shaped AGSs with straight sides each measuring 180 mm by
80 mm by 80 mm and provided with a removable cover that is fixed
in place with six tamper-resistant screws were installed securely at
active infestation points by screwing the box base onto the surface.
The station bottom is perforated to allow termite entry. At some
places, before fixing the station, a small amount of the prepared bait
was applied prior to station placement. Unlike IGS installation, the
Requiem termite bait was added at time of placement. AGS installa-
tion points were on the floor, along window or door frames, or in-
side cabinets. Twelve AGSs were installed at four test sites, that is,
Johar Town, OPF Society, Faisal Town, and LCCI Society, from —
two to four in each building, depending on the number of points of
termite feeding. Owners were specially instructed to take extra spe-
cial care of installed AGS in order to minimize disturbance, removal,
or interference with termite activity or feeding at the stations.
Surviving termites were collected and counted at the start of the
period before the placement of bait and at the end of the period after
the placement of the bait. Requiem termite bait was prepared for the
AGS according to the protocol provided. Prepared bait was directly
filled into the AGS. After filling the prepared bait matrix in the sta-
tion, the lid was fixed in place with the security screws provided.
The AGSs were monitored after every 2 wk. Consumed bait was
replaced by freshly prepared bait depending on consumption. At
baiting stations, proper handling and care were done to keep them
undisturbed. AGSs were removed after 3 to 4 wk where bait con-
sumption had not occurred.
Results and Discussion
At Site 1 (Johar Town)
Initially, six IGSs were installed around the perimeter of the building
in soil. During the whole study period, in total, 25 inspections were
done at an interval of 2–3 wk. Heterotermes indicola (Wasmann) was
detected as the infesting species. Termite activity on underground
monitors occurred at five out of six stations within 30–46 d (Table 1).
Bait mixture was replaced at the fifth station with established termite
activity. Station re-baiting was done at later inspections according to
consumption. Consumption was recorded at all the five stations
(Table 2). Overall bait mixture consumption was recorded to be
4 Journal of Economic Entomology, 2016, Vol. 0, No. 0

Downloaded from http://jee.oxfordjournals.org/ by guest on October 16, 2016

Fig. 2. Chlorfluazuron baiting system timeline for subterranean termites with monitoring period (yellow for IGS and green for AGS) and active ingredient place-
ment (maroon), Johar Town and Defence Housing Society.

Table 3. Amount of Bait and AI consumption at treatment sites

No. Site Outdoor stations Indoor stations

Requiem Requiem Active Requiem Requiem dry Active ingredient

consumed dry weight ingredient consumed weight consumed
consumed
ml g g ml g g

1 Johar Town 15,150 1,893.75 1.89375 No feeding No feeding No feeding

2 OPF Society 26,000 3,250 3.25 5500 770 0.77
3 Defence Housing Society 22,300 2,787.50 2.78750 — —
4 Shadman 20,250 2,531.25 2.53125 — —- —
5 Shah Jamal 20,350 2,543.75 2.54375 — — —
6 LCCI 5,500 687.5 0.6875 4,000 560 0.56
7 Faisal Town 9,200 1,150 1.150 5,000 700 0.700
8 Bahria Town 12,454 1,788.75 1.78875 — — —
9 Gulberg. 12,450 1,556.25 1.55625 — — —
10 Cavalry ground 12,850 1,606.25 1.60625 — — —

15,150 ml and 1.89 g active ingredient was consumed. No termite ac-
tivity, hence no consumption, was recorded at any of the three AGSs
installed (Table 3). Figure 2 shows the timeline at the Johar Town site
for subterranean termites with monitoring period (yellow for IGS and
green for AGS) and active ingredient placement (maroon). At Johar
Town site, the mean number of termites counted in all bait traps was
89 at the start of the experiment before the placement of bait, and it
was reduced to nine at the end of the period (Table 4). Analysis re-
vealed that there were significant differences in the number of surviv-
ing termites (t ¼ 25, df ¼ 8, P ¼ 0.0001; Table 4).
At Site 2 (OPF Society)
Seven IGSs were installed around the building. Twenty inspections
were carried out during the study. Termite activity on underground
monitors was exhibited at six out of seven stations within 30–47 d
(Table 1). IGS 1, 3, and 4 were found to be infested with
Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) along the west wall of the building,
whereas IGS 5, 6, and 7 were infested with Coptotermes heimi
(Wasmann) along the east wall of the building. Monitoring intervals
ranged from 1 to 3 wk. Bait matrix was replaced at six stations with
fully active termite infestation (Table 2). Feeding was recorded and
station rebaiting was done during the monitoring periods. Total
consumption of Requiem mixture recorded at the sixth IGS was
26,000 ml, corresponding to 3.25 g of active ingredient. Three AGSs
installed were infested with C. heimi, and a total of 5,500 ml bait
was consumed at two out of three AGSs, corresponding to 0.77 g ac-
tive ingredient (Table 3). Figure 3 shows the timeline at the OPF
Society site for subterranean termites with monitoring period (yel-
low for IGS and green for AGS) and active ingredient placement
(maroon). At OPF Society, the mean number of termites counted in
all bait traps was 80 at the start of the experiment before the place-
ment of bait, and was reduced to six at the end of the period (Table 4).
Analysis revealed that there were significant differences in the number
of surviving termites (t ¼ 15, df ¼ 10, P ¼ 0.0001; Table 4).
Journal of Economic Entomology, 2016, Vol. 0, No. 0 5

Table 4. Prebaiting and postbaiting population size estimates of termites

No. Site Mean number of termites Significance difference in number of termites

found in installing traps found at the start of period and
end of period by unpaired t-test
At the start of At the end of
period (prebaiting) period (postbaiting)

1 Johar Town 89 9 Yes (P < 0.05) P value ¼ 0.0001, df ¼ 8

2 OPF Society 80 6 (P < 0.05) P value ¼ 0.0001, df ¼ 10
3 Defence Housing Society 110 5 (P < 0.05) P value ¼ 0.001, df ¼ 10
4 Shadman 93 8 (P < 0.05) P value ¼ 0.001, df ¼ 8
5 Shah Jamal 112 9 (P < 0.05) P value ¼ 0.0001, df ¼ 12
6 LCCI 91 7 (P < 0.05) P value ¼ 0.001, df ¼ 12
7 Faisal Town 88 4 (P < 0.05) P value ¼ 0.0001, df ¼ 6
8 Bahria Town 100 4 (P < 0.05) P value ¼ 0.0001, df ¼ 8
9 Gulberg 82 3 (P < 0.05) P value ¼ 0.0001, df ¼ 8
10 Cavalry Ground 96 1 (P < 0.05) P value ¼ 0.0001, df ¼ 6
11 Control 130 115 ns (P >0.05) P value ¼ 0.192, df ¼ 8

Downloaded from http://jee.oxfordjournals.org/ by guest on October 16, 2016

Fig. 3. Chlorfluazuron baiting system timeline for subterranean termites with monitoring period (yellow for IGS and green for AGS) and active ingredient place-
ment (maroon), OPF Society and Shadman.

At Site 3 (Defence Housing Society)
Six IGSs were installed and the infesting species was recorded as H.
indicola. Termite activity on underground monitors was exhibited
at six out of six stations within 32–46 d (Table 1). Twenty-one in-
spections were performed, and 22,300 ml bait was consumed, cor-
responding to 2.78 g of active ingredient. No AGSs were installed at
this site (Table 3). Figure 2 shows the timeline at the Defence
Housing Society site for subterranean termites with monitoring
period (yellow for IGS and green for AGS) and active ingredient
placement (maroon). At the Defence Housing Society site, the mean
number of termites counted in all bait traps was 110 at the start of
the experiment before the placement of bait, and was reduced to five
at the end of the period (Table 4). Analysis revealed that there were sig-
nificant differences in the number of surviving termites (t ¼ 39.52,
df ¼ 8, P ¼ 0.001; Table 4).
At Site 4 (Shadman)
This site was installed with five IGSs. The site was infested with C.
heimi. Termite activity on underground monitors was observed at
all five stations within 67 to 68 d (Table 1). Twenty total inspections
were carried out, and 20,250 ml bait was consumed, corresponding
to 2.53 g of active ingredient. No AGSs were installed here (Table 3).
Figure 3 shows the timeline at the Shadman site for subterranean ter-
mites with monitoring period (yellow for IGS and green for AGS) and
active ingredient placement (maroon). At the Shadman site, the mean
number of termites counted in all bait traps was 93 at the start of the
experiment before the placement of bait, and was reduced to eight at
the end of test period (Table 4). Analysis revealed that there were sig-
nificant differences in the number of surviving termites (t ¼ 39.45,
df ¼ 8, P ¼ 0.001; Table 4).
At Site 5 (Gulberg)
Five IGSs were installed and termite activity on underground moni-
tors was observed at all stations (Table 1). Heterotermes indicola
was detected. In total, 16 inspections were carried out. Bait con-
sumption at all IGSs was recorded at 12,450 ml, corresponding to
1.55 g active ingredient consumed (Table 3). Three stations with ter-
mite activity were observed at the end of the study. Figure 4 shows
the timeline at the Gulberg site for subterranean termites with moni-
toring period (yellow for IGS and green for AGS) and active
6 Journal of Economic Entomology, 2016, Vol. 0, No. 0
Fig. 4. Chlorfluazuron baiting system timeline for subterranean termites with monitoring period (yellow for IGS and green for AGS) and active ingredient place-
ment (maroon), LCCI and Gulberg.
ingredient placement (maroon). At the Gulberg site, the mean num-
ber of termites counted in all bait traps was 82 at the start of the ex-
periment before the placement of bait, and was reduced to three at
the end of the period (Table 4). For this site, the analysis revealed
that there were significant differences in the number of surviving ter-
mites (t ¼ 11.41, df ¼ 8, P ¼ 0.0001; Table 4).
At Site 6 (LCCI Society)
Ten IGSs were installed and H. indicola was detected. Termite activity
on underground monitors was observed at 9 out of 10 stations (Table 1).
No consumption was recorded at IGS 3. After 12 visits to examine
the monitors and two visits to replace baits, the trial was terminated
because termite activity was extremely low in the IGS. However,
total bait consumption at all IGSs was 5,500 ml, corresponding to
0.69 g of active ingredient (Table 3). Two AGSs were also installed
indoors at this site. At the AGS, the total bait consumption recorded
was 4000 ml, corresponding to active ingredient consumption of
0.56 g. After two bait replacements, the third bait supplementation re-
mained unconsumed in both AGSs, as the termites abandoned the sta-
tions. It is believed that this was because after two bait dose feedings,
the removal of the accumulated debris from station might have dis-
turbed the natural termite activity site. Figure 4 shows the timeline at
the LCCI Society site for subterranean termites with monitoring period
(yellow for IGS and green for AGS) and active ingredient placement
(maroon). Table 4 shows that at LCCI, the mean number of termites
counted in all bait traps was 91 at the start of the experiment before
the placement of bait, which reduced to seven at the end of the period.
Analysis revealed that there were significant differences in the number
of surviving termites (t ¼ 24.22, df ¼ 6, P ¼ 0.0001; Table 4).
At Site 7 (Faisal Town)
Five IGSs were installed, and termite activity on underground moni-
tors was observed at four out of five stations (Table 1). Coptotermes
heimi was detected. In total, 15 inspections were carried out. IGS 5
was found missing at the second inspection. Total bait consumption
at all IGSs was 9,200 ml, corresponding to 1.15 g of active ingredi-
ent (Table 3). Four AGSs were installed indoors. No consumption
Downloaded from http://jee.oxfordjournals.org/ by guest on October 16, 2016
was recorded at AGS 4. Total consumption at the three other AGSs
was recorded at 5,000 ml, corresponding to 0.70 g of active ingredi-
ent (Table 3). Figure 5 indicates timeline at the Faisal Town site for
subterranean termites with monitoring period (yellow for IGS and
green for AGS) and active ingredient placement (maroon). At Faisal
Town, the mean number of termites counted in all bait traps was 88
at the start of the experiment before the placement of bait, which
reduced to four at the end of the period (Table 4). Analysis revealed
that there were significant differences in the number of surviving ter-
mites (t ¼ 17.19, df ¼ 6, P ¼ 0.0001; Table 4).
At Site 8 (Bahria Town)
Heterotermes indicola was the species infesting the monitors at this
site. Six IGSs were installed, with termite activity on underground
monitors observed at five out of six stations (Table 1). Sixteen in-
spections were done. Total bait consumption was 1,245 ml, corres-
ponding to 1.79 g of active ingredient consumed. No AGSs were
installed at this site (Table 3). The timeline at Bahria Town for sub-
terranean termites with monitoring period (yellow for IGS and green
for AGS) and active ingredient placement (maroon) is shown in
Figure 5. At Bahria Town, the mean number of termites counted in
all bait traps was 100 at the start of the experiment before the place-
ment of bait, and was to four at the end of the period (Table 4).
Analysis revealed that there were significant differences in the num-
ber of surviving termites (t ¼ 7.49, df ¼ 8, P¼ 0.0001; Table 4).
At Site 9 (Shah Jamal)
The termite O. obesus was observed at monitors. Seven IGSs were
installed, and termite activity on underground monitors occurred at
all seven stations within 35, 51, and 67 d (Table 1). In 19 inspec-
tions, 20,350 ml of bait was consumed, corresponding to 2.54 g of
active ingredient. No AGSs were installed (Table 3). Figure 6 shows
the timeline at Shah Jamal for subterranean termites with monitor-
ing period (yellow for IGS and green for AGS) and active ingredient
placement (maroon). At the Shah Jamal site, the mean number of
termites counted in all bait traps was 112 at the start of the experi-
ment before the placement of bait, and was reduced to nine at the
Journal of Economic Entomology, 2016, Vol. 0, No. 0 7

Downloaded from http://jee.oxfordjournals.org/ by guest on October 16, 2016

Fig. 5. Chlorfluazuron baiting system timeline for subterranean termites with monitoring period (yellow for IGS and green for AGS) and active ingredient place-
ment (maroon), Faisal Town and Bahria Town.

Fig. 6. Chlorfluazuron baiting system timeline for subterranean termites with monitoring period (yellow for IGS) and active ingredient placement (maroon), Shah
Jamal and Cavalry Ground.

end of the period (Table 4). Analysis revealed that there were signifi- and was reduced to four at the end of the period (Table 4). Analysis
cant differences in the number of surviving termites (t ¼ 24.22, df revealed that there were significant differences in the number of sur-
¼ 12, P¼ 0.0001; Table 4). viving termites (t ¼ 31.7, df ¼ 6, P ¼ 0.0001; Table 4).

At Site 10 (Cavalry Ground) At Site 11 (Control Site)

Heterotermes indicola activity was recorded. Fifteen inspections were
done (Table 1), and termite activity on underground monitors was
observed at four out of six stations (Table 1). Total bait consumption
was recorded at 12,850 ml, corresponding to 1.60 g of active ingredi-
ent (Table 3). Figure 6 shows the timeline at Cavalry Ground for sub-
terranean termites with monitoring period (yellow for IGS and green
for AGS) and active ingredient placement (maroon). At the Cavalry
ground site, the mean number of termites counted in all bait traps
was 88 at the start of the experiment before the placement of bait,
Heterotermes indicola was active. Twenty inspections were per-
formed (Table 1), and termite activity on underground monitors
was observed at six out of six stations (Table 1). The total amount
of cellulose powder consumed was 300 g in all the bait stations. At
the control site, the mean number of termites counted in all cellu-
lose-filled traps was 130 at the start of the experiment, and was 115
at the end of the period (Table 4). Analysis revealed that there were
nonsignificant differences in the number of surviving termites (t
¼ 1.423, df ¼ 8, P ¼ 0.192; Table 4).
8 Journal of Economic Entomology, 2016, Vol. 0, No. 0
As termite feeding activity in the bait stations increased, it was
observed that termite activity gradually slowed down at different in-
festation points inside the structure that had previously been
observed with high termite activity.
In the months from May to August, where previously more activ-
ity was noted by the owners and residents, a reduction in activity
was noted following treatment. No new signs of attack were re-
ported, for example, formation of feeding galleries or the damage to
wooden doors and window frames. Homeowners and residents also
reported a decrease in the number of swarmers emerging after rain
during this season when compared with the previous year.
The present results corroborate the study of Dhang (2011), ac-
cording to which CFZ was effective against subterranean termites
when IGSs were installed around each mound and filled with bait ma-
trix containing CFZ. Our study results are also in concordance with
those of Evans and Iqbal (2014), who describe baiting with CSIs as a
successful tool against Rhinotermitidae. The baits successfully
reduced colonies of subterranean termites within 16 wk. Similarly, in
the present study, baits successfully reduced termite population in col-
onies of subterranean termites, and pauses in termite feeding were
observed in stations at all sites during the intense cold of the winter,
probably due to the low atmospheric temperature with sometimes
heavy rainfall during these months. In the months of August and
September, heavy rain in Lahore affected the bait stations and all sta-
tions got filled with water and mud, which disrupted the trials.
In established stations, the feeding slowed down and eventually
stopped at successive inspections and the amount of bait consumed
reduced gradually. In some stations, the bait matrix was observed to be
infected with fungus. One or two stations were broken or damaged by
intruders or trespassers. At some places, excessive moisture did not
allow the stations to establish, hence they were removed. In some sta-
tions, nontarget invertebrates and ants were also found. Scharf et al.
(2002) concluded that all nontarget invertebrate taxa collected from
underground monitoring stations were most likely to interfere with the
termites feeding at the stations. Our results also suggest that if we want
to completely eliminate the colony, more bait stations with active ingre-
dient must be installed and the baiting period must be extended.
This is the first study on termite baiting systems in Pakistan, but
results reveal that the amount of transferred bait toxicant has the po-
tential to suppress and reduce termite populations through foraging
termites feeding on the active ingredient and sharing the toxicant
with nest mates through trophallaxis. It was noted that as termite
feeding activity in the stations increased, infestation points inside the
buildings that had previously displayed high levels of termite activity
were relieved from attack and termite activity gradually slowed down
at these stations. More research is needed in other parts of the country
having different species and climatic factors, and this study can play
an important role in the development of termite baiting in Asia.
Acknowledgments
We are thankful to Ensystex Australasia Pty Ltd for providing funding to con-
duct this research in Pakistan.
References Cited
Baskaran, S., S. R. Kookana, and R. Naidu. 2000. Degradation of bifenthrin,
chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid in soil and bedding materials at termiticidal
applications rates. Pest Sci. 55: 1222–1228.
Broadbent, S. 2011. A stand-alone termite management technology in
Australia, pp. 145–155. In P. Dhang (eds.), Urban pest management: An en-
vironmental perspective. CABI, Wallingford, United Kingdom.
Cabrera, B. J., and E. M. Thoms. 2006. Versatility of baits containing novi-
umuron for control of structural infestations of Formosan subterranean ter-
mites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Fla. Entomol. 89: 20–31.
Cornelius, M. L., and W.L.A. Osbrink. 2001. Tunnelling behaviour, foraging
tenacity and wood consumption rates of Formosan and Eastern subterra-
nean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in laboratory bioassay.
Sociobiology 37: 79–90.
Dhang, P. 2011. A preliminary study on elimination of colonies of the mound
building termites Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen) using a chlorfluazuron
Termites bait in Philippines. Insects 2: 486–490.
Evans, T. A. 2010. Rapid elimination of field colonies of subterranean termites
(Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) using bistriburon solid bait pellets. J. Econ.
Entomol. 103: 423–432.
Evans, T. A., and N. Iqbal. 2014. Termite (order Blattodea, infraorder
Isoptera) baiting 20 years after commercial release. Pest Manage. Sci. 71:
897–906.
Getty, G. M., M. I. Haverty, A. K. Copren, and R. V. Lewis. 2000. Response
of Reticulitermes species. (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Northern
California to baiting with Hexaflumuron with Sentricon TM Termite colony
elimination system. J. Econ Entomol. 93: 1498–1507.
Grady, J. G., M. James, and E. R. Gold. 2008. Efficacy of commercial termite
baiting system for the management of subterranean termites (Isoptera:
Downloaded from http://jee.oxfordjournals.org/ by guest on October 16, 2016
Rhinotermitidae) in Texas. Sociobiology 51: 333–362.
Haverty, M. I., R. L. Tabuchi, E. L. Vargo, D. L. Cox, L. J. Nelson, and V. R.
Lewis. 2010. Response of Reticulitermes hesperus (Isoptera:
Rhinotermitidae) colonies to baiting with lufenuron in Northern California.
J. Econ. Entomol. 103: 770–780.
Jones, S. C. 2003. Targeted versus standard bait placement affects subterra-
nean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) infestation rates. J. Econ.
Entomol. 96: 1520–1525.
Lax, A. R., and L. A. Osbrink. 2003. Agriculture Research Service research on
targeted management of the Formosan subterranean termites Coptotermes
formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Pest Manage. Sci. 59:
788–800.
Lee, C. C., B. K. Neoh, and C. Y. Lee. 2014. Colony size affects the efficacy of
bait containing chlorfluazuron against fungus growing termites
Macrotermes gilvus (Blattodea: Termitidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 107: 1–9.
Neoh, K. B., N. A. Jalaludin, and C. Y. Lee. 2011. Elimination of held-
colonies of a mound-building termite Globitermes sulphureus (Isoptera:
Termitidae) by bistrifluron bait. J. Econ. Entomol. 104: 607–613.
Peppuy, A., A. Robert, J. Delbecque, J. Leca, C. Rouland, and C. Bordereau.
1998. Effcacy of hexaßumuron against the fungus-growing termite
Pseudocanthotermes spiniger (Sjosstedt) (Isoptera, Macrotermitinae).
Pestic. Sci. 54: 22–26.
Peters, B. C., and C. J. Fitzgerald. 2003. Field evaluation of the bait toxicant
chlorfluazuron in eliminating Coptotermes acinaciformis (Froggatt)
(Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 96: 1828–1831.
Rojas, M. G., and J.A.M. Ramos. 2001. Bait matrix for the delivery of chitin
synthesis inhibitors to Formosan subterranean termite (Isoptera:
Rhinotermitidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 94: 506–510.
Scharf, M. E., E. A. Buss, C. R. Ratliff, D. J. Brad, and G. W. Bennett. 2002.
Invertebrate taxa associated with subterranean termite monitoring devices
in Eastern Midwest. Sociobiology 39: 441–451.
Sheet, J. J., L. L. Karr, and J. E. Dripps. 2000. Kinetics of uptake, clearance,
transfer and metabolism of Hexaflumuron by Eastern subterranean termite
population (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 93: 871–877.
Su, N. Y., P. M. Ban, and R. H. Scheffrahn. 1997. Remedial baiting with
hexaßumuron in above-ground stations to control structure-infesting popu-
lations of the Formosan subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). J.
Econ. Entomol. 90: 809–817.
Su, N. Y., P. M. Ban, and R. H. Scheffrahn. 2003. Foraging population and
territories of the eastern subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
in South-western Florida. Environ. Entomol. 22: 1113–1117.
Su, N. Y. 2002. Novel technologies for subterranean termites control.
Sociobiology 40: 95–101.
Tsunoda, K., H. Matsuoka, and T. Yoshimura. 1998. Colony elimination of
Reticulitermes speratus (Isoptera: Hinotermitidae) by bait application and
the effect on foraging territory. J. Econ. Entomol. 91: 1383–1386.