Arsenic trioxide is used by pest controllers in Australia to eradicate subterranean termite colonies. In 2000 Bayer Australia introduced Intrigue Termite Dust as a more environmentally acceptable alternative. Intrigue, containing 80% triflumuron, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, disrupts the moulting process in termites. Dusted termites return to the nest and pass around triflumuron via mutual grooming and trophallaxis, leading to colony decline and death within 1-12 months. The use of Intrigue requires skill and patience and a thorough knowledge of termite behaviour. It is important to apply as little dust as possible to as many termites as possible. Intrigue's greatest advantage is that termite activity in galleries can be treated, using a dust puffer, as soon as it is discovered. There is no need to wait for termites to feed on baits. This paper will discuss the real world case studies with Intrigue, as well as provide an insight into the technique of dusting termites.

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