Elimination of Subterranean Termite Populations from the Statue of Liberty National Monument Using a Bait Matrix Containing an Insect Growth Regulator, Hexaflumuron
Nan-Yo Su, Jamey D. Thomas, and Rudolf H. Scheffrahn
ABSTRACT—Infestation by the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), was found throughout the two ground floors of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. Termite activity in soil was also detected in two locations outside the monument walls. In total, four clusters of termite activity were identified. The widespread infestation suggested that termites had been in the monument for several years before they were noticed in 1994 and were probably introduced during the restoration project in the mid-1980s. Baits containing an insect growth regulator, hexaflumuron, were applied using above- and in-ground stations in mid-1996. By October 1997, all four infestations were eliminated after consuming a total of 1.8 g hexaflumuron. Monitoring stations remained in the soil to detect residual or new populations of subterranean termites on Liberty Island.
Dow Agro Sciences Receives Government's Top Environmental Honor
Indianapolis, IN - June 26, 2000
For the second consecutive year, Dow AgroSciences LLC has received one of the United States government's top environmental honors, the 2000 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award. This year, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded honors to the revolutionary new baiting system containing hexaflumuron. The Termite Colony Elimination System, a technology that eliminates termite colonies using a very small amount of active ingredient only when and where termites are present.
Use of this technology is expanding globally. It is currently being used not only in the U.S., where it is protecting structures like the Statue of Liberty, the White House and Independence Hall, but also in Australia, France, Spain and Japan. Hexaflumaron has successfully eliminated termites from a 10-acre area of Burgees, France, and is protecting the Senate building in Rome, Italy, as well as avenues of trees lining the streets of Paris.
The prestigious award, presented by the EPA on behalf of the Clinton Administration, recognizes technical innovation that incorporates the principles of "green" chemistry into chemical design, manufacture and use. In 1999, Dow AgroSciences was recognized for spins, a revolutionary compound for insect control.
Today, about 500,000 structures across the country are being protected using this revolutionary technology. Nationally, termites cause $2 billion in home damage and repair costs every year.
"The impact of the Baiting System in the termite control industry has been extremely significant," says Reid Supremely, general manager, Professional Pest Management at Dow AgroSciences. "The receipt of the Green Chemistry Challenge Award further illustrates Dow AgroSciences' long-term commitment to the pest control industry and to the development of innovative and environmentally sensitive pest management technologies."
Recruit II* termite bait was the first product registered under the EPA's new Reduced Risk Pesticide Initiative. Recruit II contains the insect growth regulator, hexaflumuron. Hexaflumuron disrupts the molting process required by termites to grow and sustain the colony, which ultimately results in elimination of that colony.
Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a global leader in providing pest management and biotechnology products that improve the quality and quantity of the earth's food supply and contribute to the health and quality of life of the world's growing population. The company employs more than 3,000 people in more than 50 countries and has worldwide sales of more than $2 billion. Dow AgroSciences is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company.
The Dow Chemical Company is a global science and technology-based company that develops and manufactures a portfolio of chemicals, plastics and agricultural products and services for customers in 168 countries around the world. With annual sales of more than $18 billion, Dow conducts its operations through 14 global businesses employing 39,000 people.
