TERMITE CONTROL WITH MICROENCAPSULATED PERMETHRIN

Bait methods with microencapsulated active ingredients are proposed fo r controlling local populations of subterranean termites. The foraging workers will take up the microcapsules, transport them to the nest an d pass them to their nestmates. In laboratory tests microencapsulated formulations of permethrin had lethal effects on Heterotermes indicola Wasman and Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) depending on the amount o f active ingredient applied. The time interval between the application of the capsules and the occurrence of insecticidal effects could be m odified by changing the wall thickness of the capsules. Tests revealed that the microcapsules were transmitted from donors to recipients by trophallaxis. Microencapsulated formulations from which the solvent us ed during the manufacturing process had been removed did not reveal an y repellent effects in several tests.