Which Type of Nematodes for Termites?

Species

• Nematodes that infest insects are called entomopathogenic. They are grouped into three main families, Steinernematidae (S), Heterorhabditidae (H) and Neosteinernema (N.) Five species can prey on subterranean or underground termites. They are H. bacteriophora, H. indica, S. riobrave, S. felitae and S. carpocapsae. However, a sixth species, N. longicurvicauda, was discovered in the 1990s. This last species can only prey on one termite species, Reticulitermes flavipes.
  
  

Function

• Entomopathogentic nematode larvae tunnel through soil to contact prey. They enter the insect's body through its pores, mature into adults and reproduce. If all of the nematodes just happen to be of one sex, they do not reproduce but can still kill the termite. They also secrete a toxin that kills the termite. Newly hatched nematode larvae then feast on the termite's corpse. When that's done, they go tunneling through soil to locate another termite.
  
  

Problems

• Nematode larvae are applied like insecticide in soil near a subterranean termite colony. If they are placed too far away from the colony, then the nematodes stand little chance of contacting termites. Also, termites live in colonies. To get rid of termites, it is essential that the egg-laying termite queen is killed. Otherwise, the queen can easily replace any workers or soldiers lost by nematode infection.
  
  

Effectiveness

• Nematodes can only kill termites one at a time. They are not effective in wiping out entire colonies. Termites are far more mobile and effective at avoiding nematodes outside of a laboratory. However, nematodes can be used as part of a multi-faceted approach to subterranean termite control, especially if the colony's exact location is known. Other methods to control termites include use of insecticide-baited food and use of borate or pressure-treated wood.