Efficacy of imidacloprid granules in soil treatments against Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Industry needs for safer transportation of termiticides to work sites, ease of application and worker exposure safety have prompted the development of granular termiticides which specifically ameliorate these concerns. One year field efficacy data for Premise granule treatments both on structures and in open field settings was initiated to evaluate this technology. Results from studies in Texas demonstrate suppression of Reticulitermes flavipes in both settings. Structures received a spot treatment with Premise granules at points of infestation 0.61 m either side of mud tubes. Suppression of R. flavipes was sustained for eight weeks. In the open field setting, grids measuring 8.53 m x 7.32 m were marked off, in-ground commercial termite monitors were installed, and grids were treated with Premise granules. Un-treated pine boards were placed in grids to determine if granules would suppress feeding on surface boards. Treatments suppressed surface feeding of R. flavipes for 9 months post-treatment