A new chemical, bistrifluron, effectively eliminates drywood termites by preventing them from forming new exoskeletons. This method killed approximately 95 percent of termites in laboratory tests. The chemical targets a biological process essential for insect growth, making it safer for humans and other mammals.
Termites wear their support system on the outside as an exoskeleton. This outer shell is primarily made of chitin. Termites must shed their old exoskeleton and grow a new one as they mature. Drywood termites undergo this molting process about seven times during their lifespan.
Bistrifluron interferes with the production of chitin. This prevents termites from creating the new exoskeleton needed for molting. The chemical does not instantly kill the termites. Instead, it makes them less active and reduces their feeding before they die during an unsuccessful molt.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, conducted the study. Their findings were published in the *Journal of Economic Entomology*. The study found that bistrifluron worked faster than other chitin synthesis inhibitors tested. It achieved 99 percent mortality in some tests over 60 days.
The chemical spreads throughout the colony as termites interact. Termites transfer food and microbes through a behavior called proctodeal trophallaxis. This allows the treatment to reach unexposed termites. Even when only five percent of termites were initially exposed, the entire colony reached 100 percent mortality within 90 days in transfer tests.
This slower, more targeted approach offers advantages over traditional fumigation. It reduces toxicity concerns and may provide longer-lasting protection. Scientists are also exploring using pinene, a chemical found in trees, to attract termites to treated wood. This could make treatments more efficient and reduce the amount of insecticide needed.
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