Evaluation of agricultural waste-derived cellulose as sustainable bait substrate for subterranean termite (Coptotermes gestroi) control

Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

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Abstract

The subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroi is a major pest in Thailand, causing severe damage to wooden structures and furniture. Baiting systems using cellulose-based materials have proven effective for termite control. Recently, agricultural waste has gained attention as a sustainable and low-cost resource for bait development. This study evaluated the feeding preferences of C. gestroi on handmade paper derived from corn husk, durian peel, and pineapple crown, compared to Whatman No.1 filter paper (control). Paper samples were placed in 5.5 cm Petri dishes and exposed to termites for 28 days. Weight loss was measured to determine consumption. Corn husk paper showed the highest mean weight loss (44.0894%), followed by durian peel (22.9894%) and pineapple crown (19.1196%). Statistical analysis indicated that consumption of corn husk and durian peel papers was not significantly different from the control (36.6562%). These results suggest that corn husk and durian peel are promising agricultural residues for use as cellulose-based termite bait substrates. Their potential for sustainable termite management warrants further investigation under field conditions.