Management of Nasutitermes mauritianus (Blattodea: Termitidae) populations using noviflumuron durable baits

The commercial use of chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI) bait formulations is common against many subterranean termite pest species, but is seldom used against termitid pests. In this study, noviflumuron durable baits were implemented under an experimental protocol in a tropical garden (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden [SSRBG]) on the island country of Mauritius to test their field efficacy against a pest population of Nasutitermes mauritianus (Wasmann) (Blattodea, Termitidae, Nasutitermitinae) (=syn. N. voelzkowi). With 46 treated nests and 26 control nests within the garden, 40 treated nests lost termite activity within 5 months, and all 46 treated nests were inactive at 8 months after treatment. In addition, 14 out of 26 control nests also ceased activity, implying that polydomous colonies were eliminated over distance even if just one of their multiple nests was treated with noviflumuron. Within 8 months, 83% of all nests in the garden were inactive. As bait quantity was limited in this experimental protocol, the garden was then left untreated for 3 years to observe the reestablishment of new colonies, through foundation, emergence of concealed colonies, and expansion of mature colonies over time, revealing a potential intraspecific competition dynamic among colonies during colony reestablishment process. Ultimately, CSI baits can be used against Nasutitermes colonies, which suggests that area-wide management of Nasutitermes is possible if colonies can be readily baited upon discovery through routine inspections, especially in areas with high termite pressure, such as the one reported in the SSRBG.