Researchers at UC Riverside have unveiled a groundbreaking approach to controlling termite infestations that is both highly effective and environmentally friendly. This new method leverages a naturally occurring chemical to lure termites to their demise, offering a promising alternative to traditional pest control strategies.
The research, published in the Journal of Economic Entomology, centers around pinene, a pleasant-smelling compound emitted by forest trees. Pinene is familiar to western drywood termites, reminding them of their natural food sources. By harnessing this scent, scientists have devised a way to direct termites towards strategically placed insecticide within wood structures.
Dong-Hwan Choe, an entomologist at UC Riverside and the study's lead author, explained the significance of this discovery. “We saw significant differences in the death rates using insecticide alone versus the insecticide plus pinene,” Choe noted. “Without pinene, we got about 70% mortality. When we added it in, it was over 95%.”
The Perennial Threat of Drywood Termites
Western drywood termites, indigenous to North America, play a vital ecological role by breaking down dead wood above ground with the aid of gut microorganisms. Despite their environmental benefits, these insects pose a significant threat to human structures, particularly in warmer regions such as California, Florida, parts of Canada, and Mexico. According to Choe, “It's only a matter of time before termites attack a house, especially in warmer parts of the states.”
Limitations of Current Termite Control Methods
Fumigation remains one of the most prevalent methods for controlling drywood termites. This process involves enclosing homes in tents and filling them with sulfuryl fluoride gas, which exterminates the termites. However, this method is not without its drawbacks. Sulfuryl fluoride is a potent greenhouse gas and toxic to humans, making its use controversial. Additionally, fumigation is costly and does not offer long-term protection, necessitating repeated treatments every few years.
“Even though it is very thorough, a home can be infested again soon after fumigation is completed,” Choe said. “Some people fumigate every three to five years because it doesn't protect structures from future infestations.”
A Novel Approach: Localized Injection with Pinene
Localized injection offers a more targeted alternative to fumigation. This technique involves drilling into infested wood to reach termite galleries and injecting insecticide directly. While this method is less invasive and more cost-effective, it relies on accurately locating the termites.
The introduction of pinene as an attractant addresses this challenge by drawing termites to the insecticide, thus eliminating the need to pinpoint their exact location. “Even at low concentrations, pinene is good at attracting termites from a distance,” Choe said.
The insecticide used in conjunction with pinene, fipronil, is also employed in ant control. Although potentially harmful to aquatic insects and pollinators if it contaminates the environment, its injection into wood reduces the risk of such off-target effects.
Implications for Future Pest Management
Choe's research underscores the importance of understanding insect behavior to develop more effective and environmentally responsible pest control methods. “Our study shows that if you understand insect behavior better, it's interesting by itself,” Choe remarked. “Then there are also important implications for more effective pest management, so we can use fewer chemicals without compromising efficiency.”
The integration of pinene into termite control protocols represents a significant advancement in the field, offering a safer, more efficient, and less expensive solution to a persistent problem. As the pest control industry continues to seek sustainable practices, innovations like this are crucial for reducing chemical use and minimizing environmental impact while maintaining effectiveness.
Source: University of California – Riverside