At a Glance
- Researchers have found that bistrifluron can effectively eliminate drywood termite colonies by preventing them from molting, offering a safer alternative to traditional toxic fumigation methods.
- Drywood termites pose a significant threat to wooden structures, especially in California, and current treatments require homeowners to vacate due to health risks.
- Bistrifluron disrupts chitin production in termite exoskeletons, causing death during molting and enabling the chemical to spread throughout colonies for long-term control.
- The study showed that bistrifluron-treated wood provides lasting protection and leads to colony collapse over time while minimizing environmental harm.
- Scientists aim to improve bistrifluron’s real-world use by developing safer application methods. This could potentially revolutionize termite management amid expanding pest ranges due to climate change.
A new study on drywood termites has revealed a promising and environmentally friendly method for controlling these destructive pests. Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, have shown that a chemical called bistrifluron, which targets the exoskeletons of the termites, can help eliminate entire colonies. Bistrifluron prevents termites from molting, which is necessary for their growth and ultimately leads to death. Unlike traditional methods, this approach is less toxic to humans and has the potential to provide lasting protection against future infestations.
Drywood termites, especially in regions like California, significantly threaten wooden structures. These termites do not live underground like other species and instead infest wooden parts of homes. The standard methods to control termites, such as fumigation, are toxic, require people to leave their homes, and do not prevent future infestations. Bistrifluron offers a gentler alternative. It works by disrupting the production of chitin, a key component of the termite’s exoskeleton. When termites try to molt, they cannot form a new exoskeleton, leading to their death.
In the study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology, termites fed on wood treated with bistrifluron, which was then spread throughout the colony. The researchers observed that this method allowed the chemical to reach more termites and led to the eventual collapse of the colony. This process takes longer than other methods but is more effective and less environmentally harmful. Additionally, bistrifluron stays active in the wood for an extended period, offering continued protection against new infestations.
The findings provide a new, low-impact strategy for termite control. Researchers are now focused on improving the practical application of bistrifluron. The next steps include making it easier to apply in real-world settings without using flammable solvents. This development could be a key step in managing termite infestations in the future, especially as climate change allows these pests to spread to new areas.
References
- Poulos, N. A., Lee, C.-Y., Rust, M. K., & Choe, D.-H. (2025). Toxicity and horizontal transfer of chitin synthesis inhibitors in the western drywood termite (Blattodea: Kalotermitidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, toaf064. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toaf064
- Bernstein, J. & University of California- Riverside. (2025, May 6). A recently-discovered termite terminator is better, more targeted and won’t harm humans. Phys.Org; University of California- Riverside. https://phys.org/news/2025-05-termite-terminator-wont-humans.html
