Effects of intercepting tunnel treatment with Altriset on (Reticulitermes flavipes) population at group source and satellite feeding site

A two part laboratory study was conducted to determine the effects of an intercepting tunnel treatment with Altriset on eastern subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), at the group level. First part of the study we investigated the dose effect on small termite satellite populations at a fixed distance 67cm using three concentrations of Altriset (25 ppm, 50 ppm and 100 ppm). Termite workers and soldiers were tested in bioassay units which consisted of a single group site and a single feeding site connected with a Tygon tube. The treatment was applied to single 6 cm section of Tygon tube away from the feeding site at 1cm interval and its impact was directly observed using Termatrac T3i. 50 ppm showed greater variation in walking speeds compared to 25 ppm and 100 ppm resulting in further investigation of 50 ppm. Second part of the study we investigated how the distance related to efficacy of a fixed concentration of Altriset (50 ppm) on large termite satellite populations by measuring activity and mortality. Termite workers and soldiers were tested in bioassay units identical to those used in part 1. Two distinct lengths of Tygon tube were used (2m and 4m). The treatment was applied similarly to those used in part 1 and its impact was directly observed using Termatrac T3i. Our data shows Altriset’s efficacy reduction on termite activity when a single tunnel is treated and describes post-exposure effects on termite workers and soldiers.