Friday, August 6, 2010

Can you buy a termite control product containing Paecilomyces fumosoroseus?

Even though the research began more than 12 years ago, it is likely to be some time yet. Don't get excited when you read lab reports of this or that microbe wiping out termites. This has been happening since the early 1970s with big press releases and so far none has really made any great difference or market splash They do however ensure continued research funding and the occasional patent-see US Patent 6660291 - Use of paecilomyces spp. as pathogenic agents against subterranean termites of December 9, 2003





Termites, like us. have ways to fight off fungi (see http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob鈥?/a> ). To kill them with a fungus that's a normal part of their background environment is a bit like me trying to kill you with athlete's foot or thrush. It is possible, but I'd have to bury you in spores.





Killing termites is a lot different to killing whitefly. Termites are organized and look after each other.





So don't hold your breath. One day, they'll get us a nice product but not today.Can you buy a termite control product containing Paecilomyces fumosoroseus?
It's only in one registered pesticide and that is for use in greenhouses for whiteflies. So the answer to your question is no.
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