Termite control compositions

Abstract

Provided are termite phagostimulatory compositions extracted from fungi coexisting with subterranean termites. In a preferred embodiment, a subterranean termite feeding stimulant is obtained from extracts of fungi coexisting with Reticulitermes hesperus. Termite feeding stimulants in accordance with the present invention may be incorporated into termiticide-treated bait-based systems and methods to selectively target and enhance control of subterranean termites. Also provided are compositions which deter feeding of subterranean termites. These phagodeterrent compositions may be obtained from non-polar extracts of subterranean termite-associated fungus-colonized filter paper. They may also find useful application in termite control strategies, for example, by deterring subterranean termites from colonizing or feeding on particular substrates and structures.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.