Fumigation and contact toxicity of eucalyptus essential oil (Eucalyptus camaldulensis var. camaldulensis) on Microcerotermes diversus (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Microcerotermes diversus Silvestri (Isoptera: Termitidae) is the most economically destructive termite in buildings in Khuzestan province (Iran) that is fed by anything containing cellulose. Considering the importance of using environmentally friendly chemicals with applicable potential in integrated pest management programs such as essential oils and plant extracts, this study evaluated the contact and fumigation toxicity effects of Eucalyptus essential oil using tunneling and fumigation tests on M. diversus.Concentrations of the essential oil were 0.3 to 1.6% (g/ml) and 0.7 to 1.6% in tunneling method and fumigation methodes respectively. The results of tunneling method showed that essential oil could act as a repellent at given concentrations. It also increased the mortality of termites at concentrations higher than 0.7%. Concentrations used in fumigation tests resulted in mortality of termites, and a direct regression was found between concentration and mortality. The results suggest that the Eucalyptus oil might be an effective compound for inducing mortality against subterranean termites.