A series of laboratory experiments showed that the fumigant sulfuryl fluoride (VikaneR) was effective against small groups of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki exposed to the gas directly at temperatures from 20-40°C. At 10°C fumigations failed regardless of initial gas concentration. Very high or total mortality was observed at concentrations of 0.79 cc/L or higher. A second series of experiments was designed to evaluate Vikane's ability to penetrate the carton nest matrix. At 30°C penetration was sufficient to produce high mortality with gas concentrations > 1.06 cc/L. The results suggest that current dosage recommendations for the control of Coptotermes formosanus infestations in structures (4 lbs/1000 cubic feet) are too high and should be reevaluated.

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