The performance of a baiting system and efficacy of an insect growth regulator (IGR), chlorfluazuron, was evaluated against three economically important species of subterranean termites in the Philippines i.e., Coptotermes vastator Light, Microcerotermes losbañosensis Oshima and Macrotermes gilvus Hagen. Preliminary tests were conducted on secondary nests of M. losbañosensis and mounds of M. gilvus. In-ground Stations (IGS) baited with IGR were installed around the nests and monitored until the colonies were eliminated. Abundance of termites, mobility of colony, feeding activity and elimination period were observed. Field tests were conducted in selected houses infested with subterranean termites. Above-ground Stations (AGS) and IGS were installed and monitored at regular intervals. The bait was prepared based on the manufacturer’s recommended dosage. Laboratory test showed that populations of M. losbañosensis in IGS baited with IGR were eliminated in 17 to 19 weeks. Termites in IGS baited without toxicant were still active on the 19th week, the last week of observation. On the other hand, M. gilvus were eliminated in 15 to 19 weeks in stations baited with IGR. Termites were still active in Stations provided with bait without IGR. Under field conditions, period of termite interception, period of elimination and bait consumption varied among the termite species. The behavior of termites in stations baited with IGR was similar to those observed in the laboratory. M. losbañosensis were eliminated in 20 to 33 weeks after consuming 1,625 g to 2,820 g of bait. An estimated 1,820 to 8,170 g of termite bait was consumed to eliminate M. gilvus in 8 to 18 weeks. The toxicant was found very effective against C. vastator which were eliminated in 6 to 13 weeks after consuming 500 to 2,370 g of the bait. The three species of subterranean termites, M. losbañosensis, M. gilvus and C. vastator, were eliminated using 0.1% chlorfluazuron. Baiting is a potential subterranean termite control technology and its adoption by local pest control applicators will help reduce the risks brought about by using highly hazardous pest control chemicals.

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