Introductory remarks

There are few innovations in urban / structural pest management that start in academia and result in a revolutionizing an industry. We dedicate this symposium to Dr. Nan-Yao Su’s induction into AAAS this year and for his impact on people and policy through the development of new category of structural pest management: Termite baiting. Dr. Su has championed the concept of termite baiting as an environmentally responsible method of termite control. His partnership with industry and other colleagues has resulted in a highly successful commercial product: Sentricon. Termite baiting has been installed around millions of homes/structures, reduced pesticide use by 9,000 metric tons, is effective in difficult construction, and minimizes environmental hazards. The commercialization of termite baits necessarily changed policy by driving regulatory agencies to develop performance standards for bait products claiming structural protection.