Subterranean termites are serious pests of wood in service in much of the world. One of the most common techniques for monitoring and controlling termites is the use of in-ground monitoring stations which comprise a wood or other cellulosic material monitor (cellulosic matrix) and/or a termiticide bait held in a open plastic holder so facilitates examination and the termite access. Wood and other cellulosic substrates are subjected not only to termite attack, but also to fungal decay, which may interfere both with usefulness of the monitoring stations and with termite attraction. Decay susceptibility of commercial monitoring stations was assessed over one year in the field. Variables evaluated were: mass loss and moisture content of cellulosic matrix, termite presence, type of cellulosic matrix (cellulose powder, Pinus spp., Populus spp., Pinus pinaster, Hevea brasiliensis, cardboard), monitoring station model (Advance™, FirstLine™, Terminate™, LNEC) and a wood borate-based treatment. A multivariate analysis (RDA) was performed, resulting in 78.8% of mass losses data variability being explained by the decay factors considered in this analysis. Five factors were considered significant (P<0.002): moisture content, cellulose powder and type of monitoring stations (namely FirstLine™, Advance™ and LNEC). Advance™ stations were used with different cellulosic matrices: cellulose + Populus spp. and H. brasiliensis (treated and not treated). Although cellulose powder had very low mass loss and fungi attack, termites were not attracted to this substrate. H. brasiliensis Advance™ stations were attacked by termites. FirstLine™ stations showed no mass loss; however, these traps were attacked by termites and moulds. LNEC baits, using P. pinaster, had low mass losses although termites’ presence was low. The use of wood borate-based treatment was not considered significant for decay resistance in this study; it was noticed that termites did not seem to avoid this fungicide treatments at the levels used. Monitoring stations design must be done carefully for the achievement of good results in termite monitoring and control with in-ground termite baiting systems. The replacement of substrate after wetting and fungal decay may be necessary. Cellulosic matrices’ decay resistance should be considered and evaluated in the field, including the search for adequate fungicides. The type of cellulosic matrix must also be chosen according to termites’ preferences.

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