Alternative and experimental management methods (original) (raw)

Biology and Management of the Formosan Subterranean Termite and Related Species, 2023

Abstract

Alternative and experimental approaches to subterranean termite management can be broadly characterized as the use of natural products, physical barriers, and biological control. Methods currently available for Coptotermes Wasmann prevention are the use of naturally durable woods in building construction in lieu of preservative-treated wood and installation of physical barriers to prevent termite penetration rather than soil insecticide treatments. A particle barrier of crushed and screened basalt was the first physical barrier developed for Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki management. Particle barriers, stainless steel mesh, and insecticide treated plastic membranes are now available as management options in several regions; and insecticide-free plastic membranes acting purely as physical barriers are now of interest. Worldwide, a great deal of research effort has been devoted to identification of plant allelochemicals that deter termites, and evaluation of suspected entomopathogens as possible biological control agents; with, however, little to no commercial application to date. Greater emphasis on understanding biological mechanisms, particularly with relevance to termite field biology and ecology, and on overcoming commercial production issues are necessary for these areas of research to potentially produce useful alternative methods of termite management.

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