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Two species of entomopathogenic nematode were studied in terms of their survivability, detectability by the subterranean termite Heterotermes aureus, and their ability to induce mortality in H. aureus. Heterorhabdidtis bacteriophora (Poinar) and Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) are nematodes sold commercially as a means of biological control for termites. We used a laboratory method to determine how effective these nematode species might be under field conditions. Tests showed a difference in the survivability between nematode species and also ability to kill termites. It was also shown that H. aureus had no ability to detect either nematode species when given a choice between arenas infested with nematodes and not. Though nematodes might have some limited capacity for termite control, those considering using nematodes to control Heterotermes aureus may want to consider the species of nematode before making a purchase.

Survivability of Heterotermes aureus (Snyder) was tested under varying temperature and relative humidity regimes in laboratory incubators over seven day periods. Initial tests showed that RH had a strong influence on H. aureus survival. Survival was significantly higher (P<.05) at 90% RH than 50% RH when held at a constant temperature of 29.4°C. Four temperatures were tested at a constant RH of 90%. Survival was highest at temperatures of 19.4°C (91.8%) and 21.1°C (97.3%). Survival was significantly lower for the higher ranger temperatures of 29.4°C (91.2%) and 32.2°C (69.2%).

Firstline® and Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination Systems were monitored at 20 residential home sites in Tucson, Arizona for their ability to control Heterotermes aureus (Snyder) infestations. Firstline® and Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System were each installed at 10 homes. Five of the homes were designated either as curative (having active infestations) or preventative (having no active infestation). During the 2 year study, 3 residents terminated their involvement in the Firstline®, while all of the Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System homes remained in the program. Mean number of days to first hit at curative homes was 84 versus 96 for Firstline® and Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System, respectively. Average bait consumption for the Firstline® system was 14% for the curative homes and 10% for the preventative homes. In contrast, the average bait consumption for the Sentricon ® Termite Colony Elimination System was 51% for the curative homes and 58% for the preventative homes, which was significantly different at (P<.05).