Naphthalene derivatives as termite repellents and toxicants

Abstract

Several derivatives of naphthalene, including 1′-acetonaphthone, 2′-acetpnaphthone, 1-methoxynaphthalene, and 2-methoxynaphthalene, were discovered to be effective toxicants and repellents of termites, and resulted in significant reduction in termite feeding activity. For example, 2′-acetonaphthone was found to be an effective repellent and feeding deterrent of termites. Termites exposed to concentrations as low as 8 mg/kg sand exhibited a significant reduction in tunneling and feeding activity. Moreover, some of the dead termites had symptoms indicative of a failure to molt. At concentrations ≧20 μg/cm2, 2′-acetonaphthone was a strong repellent. Interestingly, at 160-fold lower concentration (0.125 μg/cm2), 2′-acetonaphthone stimulated termite feeding activity. As a sand barrier, 2′-acetonaphthone significantly inhibited tunneling and feeding activity in concentrations from 8.33 to 35.0 mg/kg. Molting problems were also identified in termites exposed to 2′-acetonaphthone.

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