Laboratory feeding response of Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) to hexaflumuron in choice feeding tests

Laboratory choice feeding tests were conducted with the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), to better understand termite feeding response to cellulosic matrices treated with hexaflumuron (technical and SC formulations). A series of paired choice tests showed no feeding deterrence by termites to 0.001%-1%, (wt/wt) concentrations of technical grade hexaflumuron on filter paper. Results of two-way and three-way choice tests demonstrated that the labeled use rate for Recruit* II termite bait (0.5% hexaflumuron) is not a feeding deterrent to termites. Further choice test comparisons between Recruit II and southern yellow pine showed that termites will readily feed on termite bait treated with concentrations of hexaflumuron that are 2-4 times higher than the labeled use rate.