The mound termite Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar, 1832): experimental control with liquid insecticide formulations

Abstract

In order to evaluate the action of five insecticides against the termite Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar, 1832) (Isoptera, Termitidae) a test was performed in Piracicaba, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The treatments were as follows: A) thuringiensin, 1.2g; B) fenpropathrin, 0.6g; C) abamectin, 0.lg; D) fenthion, l.0g; E) profenophos, 1.5g. The mentioned quantities are of active ingredient per nest. Fifty termite mounds were measured and divided in 5 groups. A vertical channel was made from the top to the center (nucleus) in each mound with a 60cm long steel bar. All the liquids were applied into the nests (1.0 liter of water plus insecticide). About six months later nests were destroyed. The mortalities evaluated for the different treatments were: A) 55.5%; B) 70.0%; C) 90.0%; D) 100.0%; and E) 62.5%. Treatments A and D had 9 nests each and E, only 8 (Table 2).