Performance of Soil Termiticides in Open Field and Under Roof Overhang

Abstract

The study investigated the difference in performance of termiticides using concrete slab test installed in open field and under roof overhang.  Soil treated with cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos under roof overhang showed lower percentage of termite penetration compared to those in open field in each year of evaluation.  However, in both conditions termites were already able to penetrate treated plots during the first year of trial.  The high percentage of plots attacked by termites could be attributed to several environmental factors such as presence of a wider diversity of termite species, moisture, temperature, soil properties, microbial communities, etc. common in tropical climates.  The results from these two modes of installation could affect protocol used for field trial and the granting of registration or performance warranty to candidate termiticides in tropical countries.