Acoustic emission (AE) activity was measured under laboratory conditions from three species of te... more Acoustic emission (AE) activity was measured under laboratory conditions from three species of termites in artificial galleries of dimensional white fir. Tests were made on the sensitivity of resonant transducers at a range of frequencies from 30 to 175 kHz, in which 60 kHz was found to be the most appropriate for high gain and minimum interference. A 1-week exposure at 25°C showed no periodicity of activity. When exposed to temperature cycles, the activity was reasonably constant between 10°C and 30°C. The detectability of dampwood termites, which had the highest level of activity, was up to 2.2 m in the grain direction.
... 92: 269-277. Husseneder, C., JK Grace, MT Messenger, EL Vargo and N.-Y. Su. 2003. Describing ... more ... 92: 269-277. Husseneder, C., JK Grace, MT Messenger, EL Vargo and N.-Y. Su. 2003. Describing the spatial and social organization of Formosan subterranean termite colonies in Armstrong Park, New Orleans. ... Page 6. Vernard R. Lewis, Ariel B. Power and Gail M. Getty ...
Cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) mixtures from workers of five distinct CHC phenotypes of Reticuliterm... more Cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) mixtures from workers of five distinct CHC phenotypes of Reticulitermes Holmgren 1913 from two locations in northern California were examined from monthly collections taken over a 3-yr period. The objectives of this study were (1) to identify and quantify variations of the CHCs of multiple colonies of each of these phenotypes (= species or subspecies) to demonstrate consistency, (2) to assess the potential of CHC mixtures to separate or identify colonies within each phenotype, and (3) to detect any temporal changes in each of the hydrocarbons in the CHC mixtures. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling of all CHC mixtures of all samples collected at both locations separated the samples into five clearly visible, different groups of CHC phenotypes (taxa or species) of Reticulitermes. The degree of variability of the CHC mixtures among colonies of each phenotype was such that nonmetric multidimensional scaling did not separate or identify colonies. Strong seasonal fluctuations were evident in some of the CHCs of all five phenotypes and were significantly consistent with a sine curve. Maximum proportions of seasonal CHCs within a phenotype occurred in all seasons of the year but occurred mostly in the winter and summer. In general, the CHCs displaying maximum values in the winter were short-chained (C23-C27) methyl-branched alkanes, whereas the CHCs displaying maximum values in the summer were long-chained (C35-C43) methylbranched alkanes, which likely influences water retention. These consistent chemical fingerprints are probably responsible for inter-phenotype recognition patterns and are thus useful for chemical taxonomy.
Two-hundred shoots contained within randomly selected locations from each of thirty-six coast liv... more Two-hundred shoots contained within randomly selected locations from each of thirty-six coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia, trees were sampled to determine the abundance and spatial distribution of acorns infested by the filbert weevil, Curculio occidentis in northern California during 1989. The seasonal abundance of infested acorns was highest at 30 percent during mid-September. Overall, 25 percent of all acorns observed on sample trees revealed signs of boring insect activity. Slightly higher infestation rate of 38 percent was obtained from laboratory dissections of field collected acorns (n = 501). Of those acorns dissected in the laboratory found to contain insect larvae, 70 percent contained C. occidentis and 30 percent contained the filbertworm, Melissopus latiferreanus. Although acorns were numerous on the sunny side of the tree, infested acorns were more abundant on the shady side. The differential distribution of acorns spatially within trees, acorn survivorship, and the impact of insect and other animal acorn predators on acorn production are discussed. The sweeping branches of a large regal oak is a vision common to all of us. As a single tree or forest stand, our native oaks play an important role in wildlife and human ecologies. In California there are 18 species of oaks, 10 of which reach tree size (Tucker 1980; Griffin and Muick 1990). The total acreage for California's oak species has been estimated at 15-20 million acres (Plumb and McDonald 1981). For thousands of years, native oaks have been a prominent and persistent floral feature in California. Unfortunately, it now appears many of our oak woodlands have been drastically reduced and are poorly regenerating (Mayer and others 1986; Bolsinger 1987; Muick and Bartolome 1987). Because of poor regeneration and dwindling oak habitats in California, there is renewed interest in factors that restrict or inhibit acorn development. Acorns have many predators, including insects, birds, and mammals (Brown 1980; Griffin 1980; Koenig 1980). However, while acorns are still on the tree, the filbert weevil, Curculio occidentis (Casey) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and filbertworm, Melissopus latiferreanus (Walsingham)
Acoustic emission (AE) activity patterns were measured from seven loquat [Eriobotrya japonica (Th... more Acoustic emission (AE) activity patterns were measured from seven loquat [Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.] logs, Þve containing live western drywood termite [Incisitermes minor (Hagen)] infestations, and two without an active drywood termite infestation. AE activity, as well as temperature, were monitored every 3 min under unrestricted ambient conditions in a small wooden building, under unrestricted ambient conditions but in constant darkness, or in a temperaturecontrolled cabined under constant darkness. Logs with active drywood termite infestations displayed similar diurnal cycles of AE activity that closely followed temperature with a peak of AE activity late in the afternoon (1700 Ð1800 hours). When light was excluded from the building, a circadian pattern continued and apparently was driven by temperature. When the seven logs were kept at a relatively constant temperature (Ϸ23 Ϯ 0.9ЊC) and constant darkness, the pattern of activity was closely correlated with temperature, even with minimal changes in temperature. Temperature is the primary driver of activity of these drywood termites, but the effects are different when temperature is increasing or decreasing. At constant temperature, AE activity was highly correlated with the number of termites in the logs. The possible implications of these Þndings on our understanding of drywood termite biology and how this information may affect inspections and posttreatment evaluations are discussed.
Laboratory blind trials were conducted to evaluate the ability of beagles and an electronic odor ... more Laboratory blind trials were conducted to evaluate the ability of beagles and an electronic odor device to detect termites in wood. In the first test, pine blocks artificially infested with either 0, 5, 50, or 200 workers of the western subterranean termite, Reticulitermes hesperus Banks, were randomly presented to five beagles and one electronic odor device. Blocks were presented one at a time to beagles and the electronic odor device. The beagles correctly identified 81 percent of the blocks while the electronic odor device correctly identified 48 percent. A second laboratory test comparing five additional electronic odor devices from the same manufacturer resulted in a slightly higher correctly identified value, 62 percent. Beagles performed best for blocks containing 50 or more termites. However, the percentage of misidentified controls (false positives) for beagles was high, 28 percent. The electronic odor device did not demonstrate statistically significant detection ability. Although beagles were almost perfect (49 of 50 blocks) in detecting termites in blocks with 50 or more individuals, neither detection method was reliable with control samples or with samples with a low number of termites. The implications of these findings to the use of either of these termite detection methods are discussed.
This chapter reviews the nomenclature of drywood termites, discusses methods for detection and in... more This chapter reviews the nomenclature of drywood termites, discusses methods for detection and inspections, and describes current control measures (i.e., wood replacement, wood injection, temperature control, fumigation, electrical and microwave treatment, biological control agents). Preventive interventions are also discussed.
Activity of colonies of the western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor, was measured with acoust... more Activity of colonies of the western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor, was measured with acoustic emission (AE) technology in five loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) logs. Termite activity, whether it was feeding, excavation or movement, was monitored for 11 months under ambient conditions in a small wooden structure maintained at the University of California Richmond Field Station. AE, temperature, and humidity data were measured in 3-minute increments. Termite activity was greater during the warmer summer months compared to the cooler winter months. Termites in all five logs displayed a similar daily cycle of activity, peaking in the late afternoon. Seasonal and daily fluctuations in termite activity were significantly associated with temperature, whereas humidity did not appear to have a noticeable effect on termite activity. Possible mechanisms that drive the seasonal and daily cycles in termite activity, as measured by AE technology, and the possible implications for inspections and post-treatment analysis are discussed.
The RockPointe Condominium Complex in Chatsworth, California, USA, has had a long history of subt... more The RockPointe Condominium Complex in Chatsworth, California, USA, has had a long history of subterranean termite activity and termite-related homeowner complaints. A total of 7,327 Sentricon stations were installed between October and December of 2001 along the perimeter of 134 buildings, and inspected monthly thereafter. Sentricon stations with actively foraging termites present were immediately baited with hexaflumuron following label instructions. The active ingredient was changed to noviflumuron in April 2003. When feasible, auxillary stations were installed adjacent to the active stations to increase the rate of station discovery and enhance bait consumption. Within two months of installation, 41% of the buildings had stations that revealed visual signs of subterranean termite activity. These stations were then baited. This percentage rose to 90% after 6 months and 95% after one year. A total of 423 auxillary stations were installed between February 2001 and October 2003. Of the 7,327 stations initially installed, 12% had subterranean termite activity; 13% of the auxiliary stations became active. Comparing newly active stations between 2002 and 2003 resulted in 70% fewer stations with new activity, likely the result of baiting. Since March 2004, a few stations have become active. A reduction in resident’s complaints of termites at the complex paralleled the reduction of termites in stations at the site. These results strongly suggest that the ongoing baiting program utilizing the Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System has had a significant impact on the subterranean termite population at this site.
The efficacy of a chemical barrier around structures to manage infestations of Linepithema humile... more The efficacy of a chemical barrier around structures to manage infestations of Linepithema humile was evaluated in buildings in San Francisco, California. Initial ant density at each location was evaluated using visual counts and consumption of 10% ...
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) continue to increase as serious pests in the built environment. T... more Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) continue to increase as serious pests in the built environment. These insects are particularly problematic in low-income multiunit housing buildings, where infestations are difficult to control, tend to become chronic, and the locations serve as reservoirs from which bed bugs disperse. This document reviews and reports on published accounts and validations of various methods to detect and manage bed bugs in these urban settings. The analysis demonstrates that programs using IPM approaches for bed bug management can lead to significant reductions in bed bug incidence and density when compared with insecticidereliant approaches. However, total elimination of bed bugs in multiunit environments remains a challenge and is often reported as unattainable, raising concerns about the effectiveness of strategies for bed bug management used in these environments. Several factors may contribute to the persistence of bed bugs in low-income, multiunit housing situations, including lack of awareness and education of residents and staff about bed bugs, overall building infestation levels, resident lifestyles, reluctance to report infestations, resident abilities to undertake unit preparation required by some pest management companies, and low efficacy of insecticide treatments. Although community-wide and proactive bed bug management programs are shown to be more effective, sustainable, and economically viable in the long term than reactive and insecticide-only programs, general adoption of best practices may be impeded by budget limitations and interest of affordable multiunit housing providers. Resumen Los chinches de cama (Cimex lectularius) es una plaga que se sigue expandiendo en ambientes urbanos. Estos insectos representan un serio problema en edificaciones multi-residenciales de familias de bajos nivel de ingresos econ omicos, donde las infestaciones son dif ıciles de controlar, tienden a volverse cr onicas y sirven de reservorios desde donde los chinches se dispersan. Este documento revisa y reporta informaci on publicada de la validaci on de varios mé todos para para detectar y manejar los chinches de cama en estos ambientes urbanos. El an alisis mostr o que los programas que usan abordajes de Manejo Integrado de Plagas (MIPs) para el control de los chinches de cama pueden reducir de manera significativa la incidencia y densidad de estos insectos, si se compara con los programas donde se utilizan solamente insecticidas. Sin embargo, la erradicaci on de los chinches de cama en estos ambientes sigue siendo un reto y muchas veces dif ıcil de alcanzar, lo que genera dudas acerca de la eficacia de estos programas para el chinche de cama usados en estos ambientes. Varios factores podr ıan contribuir a la persistencia de chinches de cama en estas edificaciones, los cuales incluye la escasez de concientizaci on y educaci on de residentes y personal administrativo acerca del
Six insecticides were tested for their effectiveness against natural field infestations of I. min... more Six insecticides were tested for their effectiveness against natural field infestations of I. minor found in homes and commercial structures from fourteen cities from Jun 2008 to Jun 2009. Boards were determined active for drywood termites using a portable acoustic emission (AE) device (Termite Tracker, Dunegan Engineering, Midland, TX) that detects termite feeding. The Bora-Care was diluted 1:1 with water to a 23% DOT final solution. The Optigard ZT was prepared according to the label directions at a 15:1 expansion ratio for a final thiamethoxam concentration of 0.1%, and applied with the Optigard ZT Foamer Kit. The Premise foam (0.05% imidacloprid) came as ready-to-use foam in a pressurized aerosol can equipped with an applicator tip. The Termidor® SC was injected as an aqueous preparation at 0.125% final solution. The Tim-bor was mixed with water to a final 15% DOT solution. The XT-2000 was injected directly from the container into treated boards. All chemical treatments were ran...
Six insecticides were tested for their effectiveness as localized treatments against Incisitermes... more Six insecticides were tested for their effectiveness as localized treatments against Incisitermes minor populations contained in naturally infested boards. Candidate boards were collected from homes and decks from several cities in California. Boards were determined active for drywood termites using portable detection equipment that included termite feeding sensing devices (acoustic emission, AE) (Termite Tracker, Dunegan Engineering, Midland, TX) and X-ray (XR200, Golden Engineering, Centerville, IN). Boards with visual signs of damage were determined to be active with drywood termites by drilling a 2.4 mm dia hole and inserting the AE sensor probe roughly 8 mm deep and taking three one-min readings of termite feeding activity. This process was repeated every 45 cm down the entire length of the board. Additionally, X-ray images were taken for the entire length of each board. Three different board dimensional sizes (e.g., 2 by 4 & 2 by 6; 2 by 8 & 4 by 4; and 4 by 6 & 4 by 10) were ...
The western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor, represents one of the most important and destruc... more The western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor, represents one of the most important and destructive termite species in the United Stat es. Despite this however, and in comparison to the subterranean termites of the genu s Reticultermes, nothing is known regarding the genetic colony structure, colony and population differentiation, and breeding structure. Understanding each of these com ponents is essential for the development of, and the understanding of results of management strategies for control. For example, understanding the identity of and the genetic connection, or lack of, between colonies infesting a property will enable t h pest control specialist to monitor over time the effectiveness of control strategies g ven that the molecular methods described here enable accurate identification at th e colony level. Thus, using these markers it is possible to track over time change in colony infestion (i.e. if a colony is replaced by a genetically unrelated colony), colony spread ...
Acoustic emission (AE) activity was measured under laboratory conditions from three species of te... more Acoustic emission (AE) activity was measured under laboratory conditions from three species of termites in artificial galleries of dimensional white fir. Tests were made on the sensitivity of resonant transducers at a range of frequencies from 30 to 175 kHz, in which 60 kHz was found to be the most appropriate for high gain and minimum interference. A 1-week exposure at 25°C showed no periodicity of activity. When exposed to temperature cycles, the activity was reasonably constant between 10°C and 30°C. The detectability of dampwood termites, which had the highest level of activity, was up to 2.2 m in the grain direction.
... 92: 269-277. Husseneder, C., JK Grace, MT Messenger, EL Vargo and N.-Y. Su. 2003. Describing ... more ... 92: 269-277. Husseneder, C., JK Grace, MT Messenger, EL Vargo and N.-Y. Su. 2003. Describing the spatial and social organization of Formosan subterranean termite colonies in Armstrong Park, New Orleans. ... Page 6. Vernard R. Lewis, Ariel B. Power and Gail M. Getty ...
Cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) mixtures from workers of five distinct CHC phenotypes of Reticuliterm... more Cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) mixtures from workers of five distinct CHC phenotypes of Reticulitermes Holmgren 1913 from two locations in northern California were examined from monthly collections taken over a 3-yr period. The objectives of this study were (1) to identify and quantify variations of the CHCs of multiple colonies of each of these phenotypes (= species or subspecies) to demonstrate consistency, (2) to assess the potential of CHC mixtures to separate or identify colonies within each phenotype, and (3) to detect any temporal changes in each of the hydrocarbons in the CHC mixtures. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling of all CHC mixtures of all samples collected at both locations separated the samples into five clearly visible, different groups of CHC phenotypes (taxa or species) of Reticulitermes. The degree of variability of the CHC mixtures among colonies of each phenotype was such that nonmetric multidimensional scaling did not separate or identify colonies. Strong seasonal fluctuations were evident in some of the CHCs of all five phenotypes and were significantly consistent with a sine curve. Maximum proportions of seasonal CHCs within a phenotype occurred in all seasons of the year but occurred mostly in the winter and summer. In general, the CHCs displaying maximum values in the winter were short-chained (C23-C27) methyl-branched alkanes, whereas the CHCs displaying maximum values in the summer were long-chained (C35-C43) methylbranched alkanes, which likely influences water retention. These consistent chemical fingerprints are probably responsible for inter-phenotype recognition patterns and are thus useful for chemical taxonomy.
Two-hundred shoots contained within randomly selected locations from each of thirty-six coast liv... more Two-hundred shoots contained within randomly selected locations from each of thirty-six coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia, trees were sampled to determine the abundance and spatial distribution of acorns infested by the filbert weevil, Curculio occidentis in northern California during 1989. The seasonal abundance of infested acorns was highest at 30 percent during mid-September. Overall, 25 percent of all acorns observed on sample trees revealed signs of boring insect activity. Slightly higher infestation rate of 38 percent was obtained from laboratory dissections of field collected acorns (n = 501). Of those acorns dissected in the laboratory found to contain insect larvae, 70 percent contained C. occidentis and 30 percent contained the filbertworm, Melissopus latiferreanus. Although acorns were numerous on the sunny side of the tree, infested acorns were more abundant on the shady side. The differential distribution of acorns spatially within trees, acorn survivorship, and the impact of insect and other animal acorn predators on acorn production are discussed. The sweeping branches of a large regal oak is a vision common to all of us. As a single tree or forest stand, our native oaks play an important role in wildlife and human ecologies. In California there are 18 species of oaks, 10 of which reach tree size (Tucker 1980; Griffin and Muick 1990). The total acreage for California's oak species has been estimated at 15-20 million acres (Plumb and McDonald 1981). For thousands of years, native oaks have been a prominent and persistent floral feature in California. Unfortunately, it now appears many of our oak woodlands have been drastically reduced and are poorly regenerating (Mayer and others 1986; Bolsinger 1987; Muick and Bartolome 1987). Because of poor regeneration and dwindling oak habitats in California, there is renewed interest in factors that restrict or inhibit acorn development. Acorns have many predators, including insects, birds, and mammals (Brown 1980; Griffin 1980; Koenig 1980). However, while acorns are still on the tree, the filbert weevil, Curculio occidentis (Casey) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and filbertworm, Melissopus latiferreanus (Walsingham)
Acoustic emission (AE) activity patterns were measured from seven loquat [Eriobotrya japonica (Th... more Acoustic emission (AE) activity patterns were measured from seven loquat [Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.] logs, Þve containing live western drywood termite [Incisitermes minor (Hagen)] infestations, and two without an active drywood termite infestation. AE activity, as well as temperature, were monitored every 3 min under unrestricted ambient conditions in a small wooden building, under unrestricted ambient conditions but in constant darkness, or in a temperaturecontrolled cabined under constant darkness. Logs with active drywood termite infestations displayed similar diurnal cycles of AE activity that closely followed temperature with a peak of AE activity late in the afternoon (1700 Ð1800 hours). When light was excluded from the building, a circadian pattern continued and apparently was driven by temperature. When the seven logs were kept at a relatively constant temperature (Ϸ23 Ϯ 0.9ЊC) and constant darkness, the pattern of activity was closely correlated with temperature, even with minimal changes in temperature. Temperature is the primary driver of activity of these drywood termites, but the effects are different when temperature is increasing or decreasing. At constant temperature, AE activity was highly correlated with the number of termites in the logs. The possible implications of these Þndings on our understanding of drywood termite biology and how this information may affect inspections and posttreatment evaluations are discussed.
Laboratory blind trials were conducted to evaluate the ability of beagles and an electronic odor ... more Laboratory blind trials were conducted to evaluate the ability of beagles and an electronic odor device to detect termites in wood. In the first test, pine blocks artificially infested with either 0, 5, 50, or 200 workers of the western subterranean termite, Reticulitermes hesperus Banks, were randomly presented to five beagles and one electronic odor device. Blocks were presented one at a time to beagles and the electronic odor device. The beagles correctly identified 81 percent of the blocks while the electronic odor device correctly identified 48 percent. A second laboratory test comparing five additional electronic odor devices from the same manufacturer resulted in a slightly higher correctly identified value, 62 percent. Beagles performed best for blocks containing 50 or more termites. However, the percentage of misidentified controls (false positives) for beagles was high, 28 percent. The electronic odor device did not demonstrate statistically significant detection ability. Although beagles were almost perfect (49 of 50 blocks) in detecting termites in blocks with 50 or more individuals, neither detection method was reliable with control samples or with samples with a low number of termites. The implications of these findings to the use of either of these termite detection methods are discussed.
This chapter reviews the nomenclature of drywood termites, discusses methods for detection and in... more This chapter reviews the nomenclature of drywood termites, discusses methods for detection and inspections, and describes current control measures (i.e., wood replacement, wood injection, temperature control, fumigation, electrical and microwave treatment, biological control agents). Preventive interventions are also discussed.
Activity of colonies of the western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor, was measured with acoust... more Activity of colonies of the western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor, was measured with acoustic emission (AE) technology in five loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) logs. Termite activity, whether it was feeding, excavation or movement, was monitored for 11 months under ambient conditions in a small wooden structure maintained at the University of California Richmond Field Station. AE, temperature, and humidity data were measured in 3-minute increments. Termite activity was greater during the warmer summer months compared to the cooler winter months. Termites in all five logs displayed a similar daily cycle of activity, peaking in the late afternoon. Seasonal and daily fluctuations in termite activity were significantly associated with temperature, whereas humidity did not appear to have a noticeable effect on termite activity. Possible mechanisms that drive the seasonal and daily cycles in termite activity, as measured by AE technology, and the possible implications for inspections and post-treatment analysis are discussed.
The RockPointe Condominium Complex in Chatsworth, California, USA, has had a long history of subt... more The RockPointe Condominium Complex in Chatsworth, California, USA, has had a long history of subterranean termite activity and termite-related homeowner complaints. A total of 7,327 Sentricon stations were installed between October and December of 2001 along the perimeter of 134 buildings, and inspected monthly thereafter. Sentricon stations with actively foraging termites present were immediately baited with hexaflumuron following label instructions. The active ingredient was changed to noviflumuron in April 2003. When feasible, auxillary stations were installed adjacent to the active stations to increase the rate of station discovery and enhance bait consumption. Within two months of installation, 41% of the buildings had stations that revealed visual signs of subterranean termite activity. These stations were then baited. This percentage rose to 90% after 6 months and 95% after one year. A total of 423 auxillary stations were installed between February 2001 and October 2003. Of the 7,327 stations initially installed, 12% had subterranean termite activity; 13% of the auxiliary stations became active. Comparing newly active stations between 2002 and 2003 resulted in 70% fewer stations with new activity, likely the result of baiting. Since March 2004, a few stations have become active. A reduction in resident’s complaints of termites at the complex paralleled the reduction of termites in stations at the site. These results strongly suggest that the ongoing baiting program utilizing the Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System has had a significant impact on the subterranean termite population at this site.
The efficacy of a chemical barrier around structures to manage infestations of Linepithema humile... more The efficacy of a chemical barrier around structures to manage infestations of Linepithema humile was evaluated in buildings in San Francisco, California. Initial ant density at each location was evaluated using visual counts and consumption of 10% ...
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) continue to increase as serious pests in the built environment. T... more Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) continue to increase as serious pests in the built environment. These insects are particularly problematic in low-income multiunit housing buildings, where infestations are difficult to control, tend to become chronic, and the locations serve as reservoirs from which bed bugs disperse. This document reviews and reports on published accounts and validations of various methods to detect and manage bed bugs in these urban settings. The analysis demonstrates that programs using IPM approaches for bed bug management can lead to significant reductions in bed bug incidence and density when compared with insecticidereliant approaches. However, total elimination of bed bugs in multiunit environments remains a challenge and is often reported as unattainable, raising concerns about the effectiveness of strategies for bed bug management used in these environments. Several factors may contribute to the persistence of bed bugs in low-income, multiunit housing situations, including lack of awareness and education of residents and staff about bed bugs, overall building infestation levels, resident lifestyles, reluctance to report infestations, resident abilities to undertake unit preparation required by some pest management companies, and low efficacy of insecticide treatments. Although community-wide and proactive bed bug management programs are shown to be more effective, sustainable, and economically viable in the long term than reactive and insecticide-only programs, general adoption of best practices may be impeded by budget limitations and interest of affordable multiunit housing providers. Resumen Los chinches de cama (Cimex lectularius) es una plaga que se sigue expandiendo en ambientes urbanos. Estos insectos representan un serio problema en edificaciones multi-residenciales de familias de bajos nivel de ingresos econ omicos, donde las infestaciones son dif ıciles de controlar, tienden a volverse cr onicas y sirven de reservorios desde donde los chinches se dispersan. Este documento revisa y reporta informaci on publicada de la validaci on de varios mé todos para para detectar y manejar los chinches de cama en estos ambientes urbanos. El an alisis mostr o que los programas que usan abordajes de Manejo Integrado de Plagas (MIPs) para el control de los chinches de cama pueden reducir de manera significativa la incidencia y densidad de estos insectos, si se compara con los programas donde se utilizan solamente insecticidas. Sin embargo, la erradicaci on de los chinches de cama en estos ambientes sigue siendo un reto y muchas veces dif ıcil de alcanzar, lo que genera dudas acerca de la eficacia de estos programas para el chinche de cama usados en estos ambientes. Varios factores podr ıan contribuir a la persistencia de chinches de cama en estas edificaciones, los cuales incluye la escasez de concientizaci on y educaci on de residentes y personal administrativo acerca del
Six insecticides were tested for their effectiveness against natural field infestations of I. min... more Six insecticides were tested for their effectiveness against natural field infestations of I. minor found in homes and commercial structures from fourteen cities from Jun 2008 to Jun 2009. Boards were determined active for drywood termites using a portable acoustic emission (AE) device (Termite Tracker, Dunegan Engineering, Midland, TX) that detects termite feeding. The Bora-Care was diluted 1:1 with water to a 23% DOT final solution. The Optigard ZT was prepared according to the label directions at a 15:1 expansion ratio for a final thiamethoxam concentration of 0.1%, and applied with the Optigard ZT Foamer Kit. The Premise foam (0.05% imidacloprid) came as ready-to-use foam in a pressurized aerosol can equipped with an applicator tip. The Termidor® SC was injected as an aqueous preparation at 0.125% final solution. The Tim-bor was mixed with water to a final 15% DOT solution. The XT-2000 was injected directly from the container into treated boards. All chemical treatments were ran...
Six insecticides were tested for their effectiveness as localized treatments against Incisitermes... more Six insecticides were tested for their effectiveness as localized treatments against Incisitermes minor populations contained in naturally infested boards. Candidate boards were collected from homes and decks from several cities in California. Boards were determined active for drywood termites using portable detection equipment that included termite feeding sensing devices (acoustic emission, AE) (Termite Tracker, Dunegan Engineering, Midland, TX) and X-ray (XR200, Golden Engineering, Centerville, IN). Boards with visual signs of damage were determined to be active with drywood termites by drilling a 2.4 mm dia hole and inserting the AE sensor probe roughly 8 mm deep and taking three one-min readings of termite feeding activity. This process was repeated every 45 cm down the entire length of the board. Additionally, X-ray images were taken for the entire length of each board. Three different board dimensional sizes (e.g., 2 by 4 & 2 by 6; 2 by 8 & 4 by 4; and 4 by 6 & 4 by 10) were ...
The western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor, represents one of the most important and destruc... more The western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor, represents one of the most important and destructive termite species in the United Stat es. Despite this however, and in comparison to the subterranean termites of the genu s Reticultermes, nothing is known regarding the genetic colony structure, colony and population differentiation, and breeding structure. Understanding each of these com ponents is essential for the development of, and the understanding of results of management strategies for control. For example, understanding the identity of and the genetic connection, or lack of, between colonies infesting a property will enable t h pest control specialist to monitor over time the effectiveness of control strategies g ven that the molecular methods described here enable accurate identification at th e colony level. Thus, using these markers it is possible to track over time change in colony infestion (i.e. if a colony is replaced by a genetically unrelated colony), colony spread ...
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