New Termite Control Method Boasts 95% Success Rate

Scientists at the University of California, Riverside have developed a new method to combat western drywood termites with over 95% effectiveness by using a natural pine scent to lure the pests toward insecticide.

The approach, detailed in a study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology, uses pinene—a compound released by forest trees that smells like food to termites—to draw the insects into wood treated with insecticide. This strategy significantly improves kill rates compared to insecticide alone, which previously achieved only about 70% mortality.

“We saw significant differences in the death rates using insecticide alone versus the insecticide plus pinene,” said Dong-Hwan Choe, the UCR entomologist who led the research. “Without pinene, we got about 70% mortality. When we added it in, it was over 95%.”

The method offers a more targeted alternative to traditional fumigation, which often requires tenting entire structures and releasing toxic gases. By attracting termites directly to the insecticide, the new technique reduces the need for widespread chemical application and lowers environmental impact.

Western drywood termites are native to North America and contribute to ecosystems by breaking down dead wood above ground with the help of microorganisms in their digestive systems. However, they become pests when they infest wooden structures, causing costly damage to homes and buildings.

The research team emphasized that the pinene-based lure is non-toxic to humans and pets, making the overall approach safer than conventional methods. Because pinene is a naturally occurring compound, it also presents a cost-effective and sustainable option for pest control.

By exploiting the termites’ own foraging instincts, the UC Riverside team has created a precision tool that increases efficiency while minimizing pesticide use. The discovery represents a meaningful advancement in integrated pest management, particularly for regions where drywood termites pose a persistent threat to wooden infrastructure.