EFFECT OF DIFFERENT INSECTICIDES AGAINST TERMITES, HETEROTERMES INDICOLA L. (ISOPTERA: TERMITIDAE) AS SLOW ACTING TOXICANTS

Three insecticides viz Regent, Tracer and Match were evaluated as slow toxicants against subterranean termites, Heterotermes indicola L (Isoptera:Termitidae). The experiment was performed using termite workers of H. indicola to which these insecticides were dipped in blotting paper once only, in start with the following concentration i.e. 0.000312, 0.000156, 0.00078, 0.00039 and 0.000195%. The total mean percent of mortality after ten days results concluded that Regent (Fipronil 5% SC) was 91.79, 86.40, 78.94, 74.18 and 62.06%, while Tracer (Spinosad 240 SC) was 72.60, 63.53, 60.60, 59.06 and 28.60%, and finally Match (Lufenuron 5% EC) was 49.40, 31.06, 26.19, 22.18 and 10.66%, repectively. Maximum mortality and avoidance was obtained by toxicity of Regent, as it was capable of obtaining 100% mortality even before day ten on every concentration therefore, Regent was considered highly toxic. Tracer was found to be slow acting agent. 100% mortality was recorded by using the 1st concentration of Tracer on day 7, on day 9 by using the 2nd concentration, while on day 10 by using the 3rd concentration of Regent. Match was unable to cause 100% mortality by using any of the tested concentrations. Based on the mortality recorded among the three insecticides the last two (0.000039 and 0.0000195%) concentrations of Regent caused 100% mortality on the 7th and 8th days. The 1st three (0.000312, 0.000156 and 0.000078%) concentrations of Tracer caused 100% mortality on the 7th, 8th and 9th day, and the 1st concentration of Match caused 80% mortality on the 10th day. These concentrations were found the most effective and are recommended as slow acting toxicant in the baits for H. indicola control.