Several derivatives of naphthalene, including 1'-acetonaphthone, 2'-acetpnaphthone, 1-methoxynaphthalene, and 2-methoxynaphthalene, were discovered to be effective toxicants and repellents of termites, and resulted in significant reduction in termite feeding activity. For example, 2'-acetonaphthone was found to be an effective repellent and feeding deterrent of termites. Termites exposed to concentrations as low as 8 mg/kg sand exhibited a significant reduction in tunneling and feeding activity. Moreover, some of the dead termites had symptoms indicative of a failure to molt. At concentrations .gtoreq.20 .mu.g/cm.sup.2, 2'-acetonaphthone was a strong repellent. Interestingly, at 160-fold lower concentration (0.125 .mu.g/cm.sup.2), 2'-acetonaphthone stimulated termite feeding activity. As a sand barrier, 2'-acetonaphthone significantly inhibited tunneling and feeding activity in concentrations from 8.33 to 35.0 mg/kg. Molting problems were also identified in termites exposed to 2'-acetonaphthone.