The activity of chlorantraniliprole against western subterranean termites

The activity of chlorantraniliprole (Rynaxypyr) was determined against the western subterranean termite, Reticulitermes hesperus (Hagen). The water solubility, Kow and Koc of chlorantraniliprole are similar to fipronil. Chlorantraniliprole produces dose dependent mortality and brief exposures (1 hr) produced >90% mortality even at doses as low as 10 ppm. Termites did not tunnel into treated soils with as low as 1 ppm. There was nearly complete mortality within 7 days after exposure suggesting no repellency at these concentrations. Chlorantraniliprole readily transferred from exposed to unexposed termites providing complete mortality within 7 days. Chlorantraniliprole looks extremely promising as a soil treatment for subterranean termites.