Ultrasonic waves as a physical barrier for damage of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes Kollar (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in wood of Pinus radiata (D. Don)

Abstract

The behavior of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes Kollar (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) when applying ultrasonic fields under three single frequencies (100, 500, and 1000 kHz), in order to establish the conditions to create a physical barrier to their action, using 1 by 4 by 10 cm wood stick probes adapted from the European norm EN118. The three frequencies inhibited feeding while the acoustic field was kept active, with a lesser feeding rate at 500 kHz, and a greater mortality at 1000 kHz. These results demonstrate that ultrasound affects the physiology and behavior of R. flavipes.