Termite control technologies using physical barrier.

English. Public and government concerns over the environmental dangers in the use of chemicals in termite control have resulted in the use of physical barriers to prevent infestation of subterranean termites. Physical barriers are materials that are laid beneath floors, foundation footing or potential on try points of termites to effectively exclude or prevent termites from entering wooden structures. Materials and commercial products that are already being use as barrier against termites include stainless steel mesh (Termi-mesh, stone (Granitgard), plastic sheets impregnate with insecticide (Impassed and sand. A new material that could potentially serve as physical barrier is volcanic debris (lahar) from Mt. Pinatubo. This paper reports on the laboratory and field evaluations on the use of uniform and mixed sized particles of lahar from Mt. Pinatubo as physical barrier to prevent tunneling of the Philippine milk termite workers of the Philippine milk t ermite (Coptotermes vastator Light) were tested for their abilities to tunnel and penetrate barriers consisting of uniform and mixed particles of lahar from Mt. Pinatubo. Particle diameter in the range of 1.18 to 2.36 mm prevented C. vastator from penetrating the lahar barrier. Repellency tests showed that lahar particles were neither repellent nor toxic to C.vastator. When several sizes in the diameter range 1.18-2.36 were uniformly mixed, the resultant barrier effectively prevented penetration of the termites. Field evaluation using mixed particle sizes 1.18-2.36 mm were also effective in preventing tunneling of field colonies of C. vastator. The use of lahar in termite control helps utilize a material that pose a threat to both people and environment.

English. CF: UPLB Alumni Association Professorial Chair Lecture 16 March 2005 College, Laguna (Philippines)