Termites aggression

Florane, C. B., Bland, J.M., Husseneder, C. and Raina, A.K. (2004). Diet-mediated intercolonial aggression in the Formosan termite Coptotermesformosanus. J. Chem. Ecol., 30, 2559-2574. 

Direct evidence for the use of hydrocarbons in nestmate recognition in social insects has been accumulating over the last fifteen years. When workers of the subterranean termites Reticulitermes speratus and Coptotermes formosanus were topically supplemented with the purified hydrocarbon profile of the other species, this was followed by an increase of aggression by nestmate soldiers (Takahashi and Gassa, 1995). Similarly, the topical application of (Z)-9-C23 1 onto the cuticle of workers of the ant Camponotus vagus resulted in increased antennation and threat in the form of mandible opening (Meskali et al., 1995b). These examples, however, concern qualitatively different hydrocarbons, and thus not variation in abundance that is typical for colonies of the same species. 

Larger quantities of secretion are used in more aggressive interactions, for example with termite soldiers or small lizards. The poison gland, which contains the equivalent of about five droplets, may be almost completely voided in these circumstances, and then responding ants are frequently further alarmed... 

The mechanism of release for these capsules, ie, by rupture or breakage, is suitable for controlling insect pests on surfaces. Formulations were developed for the control of cockroaches (based on fenitrothion or cyphenothrin), for termites (based on fenitrothion either applied to surfaces or incorporated into the glue of plywood), and for mosquitoes and flies on aggressive surfaces such as cement (based on fenitrothion and lambda-cyhalothrin). In the case of cockroach control the pickup of microcapsules and the efficient dehvery (often by grooming and ingestion of dust plus capsules) can give control of individuals resistant to diazinon or fenitrothion. 

For species such as the eusocial Hymenoptera and termites, however, alarm pheromones elicit aggressive behavior to drive off the intruder. This may include increased activity and attraction to the source of the pheromone for ants and termites (e.g., Roisin et al. 1990) to attack by bees and wasps (Blum 1985). 

Mice are far from the only pests that like your house more than the outside world (especially in fall and winter). Additional visitors may also include cockroaches, ants, fleas, or other insects exotic and familiar (if you have termites, DIY time is over—call an exterminator). The first rule remains the same for them all Make whatever it is they want inaccessible. Discover their food source and remove it. Beyond that there are species-specific traps. And beyond that, fumigation. So start with an aggressive campaign of prevention. 

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