Biological Control of Subterranean Termites

Termites represent a significant threat to humans, not only as a result of financial losses due to property damage, but also with respect to their capacity to compromise the environment and adversely affect human health. Current methods of controlling termite infestations rely on the use of toxic insecticides, which are extremely detrimental to human health. The goal of the proposed research is to develop a system that is capable of effectively eradicating termite infestations while eliminating the use of toxic chemicals. To meet this goal, we will accomplish the following Specific Aims: 1) cultivate a self-regulating biological control 'system' (insect-killing nematodes in the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis and their symbiotic bacteria, Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus, for elimination of subterranean termites; and 2) develop a delivery system that consistently delivers a defined quantity of variable nematodes directly to the site of infestation. By integrating the design of the delivery system with the use of the nematodes, we will specifically address problems of consistency and effectiveness that have plagued previous efforts to develop similar systems. We plan to continue to expand the testing localities and capabilities of this system during Phase II, and then commercialize it for distribution during Phase III.