Residential perimeter treatment trials in Hawaii with Thiamethoxam, Termidor, and Premise.

Abstract

Pre-1988 strategies for termiticide treatment of soil to prevent subterranean termite infestation in residential structures included application of organochlorine insecticides beneath concrete slabs through drilled holes at more than 2-foot intervals along the interior of perimeter and dividing walls. Post-1988 soil termiticides included organophosphates and pyrethroids. These less forgiving insecticides forced the pest control industry to change their treatment methods because of numerous call-backs that required re-treatments. Drill hole spacing through concrete slabs decreased to 1-foot intervals and exterior perimeter treatments were added to the management regime. With the advent of new non-repellent soil treatment termiticides, chemical manufacturers of these insecticides have devised a less intrusive treatment protocol that includes the remedial treatment of all known live infestations within the structure and a perimeter-only treatment of soil. For post-on-pier construction the perimeter of all piers is included in the treatment strategy. Results of field trials with three non-repellent termiticides (Thiamethoxam, Termidor, and Premise) are described.