UC Riverside Develops Eco-Friendly Termite Control Using Pinene

New method leverages natural compound to enhance effectiveness and reduce toxicity of termite treatments.

Pinene, a chemical from forest trees, attracts termites to insecticide-laden wood, significantly increasing mortality rates.
Traditional fumigation methods are costly, toxic, and offer no long-term protection against termite re-infestation.
Localized injection with pinene is cheaper, uses fewer chemicals, and may provide longer-lasting protection.
The discovery offers a safer alternative to sulfuryl fluoride, a greenhouse gas used in conventional termite fumigation.
Researchers aim to improve pest management by understanding insect behavior and reducing chemical use.