New termite control method shows high efficacy in lab tests
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Researchers have found that the chemical bistrifluron effectively kills western drywood termites by blocking chitin formation during molting, with over 95% mortality in lab tests. This offers a potential alternative to traditional control methods that often require extensive structural intervention.
Facts First
- Bistrifluron killed ~95% of termites in lab tests
- Chemical blocks chitin formation during molting
- Works faster than other tested inhibitors
- Potential for less invasive structural treatments
What Happened
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside published findings in the Journal of Economic Entomology regarding the chemical bistrifluron. In laboratory testing, bistrifluron killed approximately 95 percent of a colony of western drywood termites without the mammalian toxicity concerns associated with many traditional termite control methods. The chemical works by blocking the formation of new termite exoskeletons during the molting process, preventing termites from producing the chitin required for their next protective shell.
Why this Matters to You
Drywood termites live inside wooden structures and feed on them, often remaining undetected until damage occurs. Traditional control often requires invasive structural treatment. A chemical that can effectively kill termites with high mortality rates may lead to less invasive treatment options for homeowners and building managers. The research suggests a potential new tool for pest control professionals.
What's Next
The 2025 study tested three chitin synthesis inhibitors against the western drywood termite. Bistrifluron worked faster than chlorfluazuron and noviflumuron at the tested rates. In a no-choice test, bistrifluron produced 99 percent mortality over 60 days. In a choice test using a 0.1 percent rate, bistrifluron produced 96 percent mortality over 60 days. A 2025 patent application from UCR describes using pinene to improve localized insecticide injections against western drywood termites. Adding pinene to localized treatments killed termites more quickly and increased final mortality compared with insecticide alone. In experiments, using insecticide alone resulted in approximately 70% mortality, while adding pinene increased mortality to over 95%.