The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for control of insect pests using reduced rates of toxicants. In an exemplary embodiment, a termiticide composition comprises a toxicant, an attractant and an additive, wherein the effective rate of the toxicant is substantially reduced relative to an effective rate of the toxicant in a commercial formulation. The additive may comprise a cellulose ether, a cellulosic bait, or an adjuvant. A method for controlling termites using a reduced rate of toxicant comprises treating an area to be protected against termites using a treatment solution comprising an admixture of a toxicant, an attractant, and an additive. The method for controlling termites provides effective control using a rate of toxicant that is substantially lower than a commercial formula toxicant rate due to admixture of the attractant and the additive with the toxicant.
