Question

You are trying to develop a new anti-termite chemical that will not harm environmentally beneficial insects. Because termites are adapted to eat only wood, they will starve if they cannot digest this food source. Termites have two symbiotic partners: the protozoan Trichonympha collaris and the bacteria it harbors that actually produce the enzyme that digests the wood. Knowing this, how might you prevent termite infestations without targeting the termites directly?

Answer 1

Target the bacteria inside the gut

Step-by-step explanation:

This suggestion is simpler said than done. In order to control an infestation the termites are often destroyed and the bacteria and protozoans lay latent in the soil until they can infest the gut of another termite.

The most practical solution is to interrupt the life cycle of the termites symbiotic partners. One way is to kill the protozoan that harbors the bacteria. This however leaves room for the bacteria to find another host.

The most effective way is to target the bacteria directly. This will end the ability of the termites to absorb nutrients. Without nutrients the entire colony will starve.