Effects of Thiamethoxam on feeding and tunneling activities of the termite Microcerotermes diversus Silvestri (Isoptera: Termitidae) under laboratory conditions

Treating soil with insecticides is thought to be an effective method for termite control. Speed of action and repellency of insecticides are important factors for discussing their barrier effects as soil-treatment termiticide. Microcerotermes diversus (Silvestri) is the most economically destructive termite in structures in Ahwaz region, because the species feed on anything with cellulose. M. diversus live in subterranean nests and access to buildings and plants through subterranean galleries. The chemical barrier effect of thiamethoxam against M. diversus was evaluated under the laboratory using glass tube and plastic container methods. The concentrations used ranged from 5 to 5000 ppm. Soil treated with >50 ppm of thiamthoxam had a barrier effect and could stop the penetration of termite within 7days. Thiamethoxam did not act as a repellent, as indicated by a gradual increase in mortality at >50 ppm with slight penetration, tunneling area and feeding activity into the treated soil during the 7-day trial. The results suggest that thiamethoxam is an effective termiticide, a suitable barrier for soil treatment, that also acts as a non-repellent, inhibitive entry of termites into treated soil.