Application of Fipronil Dust to Control Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Trees

The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, is an important pest which damages trees and wooden structures. Compared to using liquid pesticides for termite control, termite bait and dust products target termites more specifically and also address environmental contamination issues. This paper reports the results of using 0.3% fipronil dust for the control of formosan subterranean termites damaging old live trees in parks. In the first test, 20 similar to 30 grams of 0.3% fipronil dust was applied directly onto workers appearing in the alate flying exit, damaged locations on the trees and under the excrement located at the trunk of the trees. Consequently, the whole colony of C. formosanus was killed completely within one month. In the second test, about 30 grams of 0.3% fipronil dust was applied onto termites feeding in a bait box. Again, the whole colony of C.formosanus was extinguished within one month. These results suggest fipronil could become a replacement for mirex and formulated into 0.3% dust for the control of C. formosanus in trees.