Progress 12/01/05 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In the current year, new information on the behavior, biology and control of the termite and ant species occurring in Hawaii was presented at the National Meeting of the Entomological Society of America (December 2010), and in a special symposium organized by J.K. Grace and J.R. Yates at the Annual Meeting of the Pacific Branch of the Entomological Society of America (April 2011); and in four public workshops for Hawaii homeowners during summer 2010 attended by 200 people. Information was extended to ca. 1000 students in 11 public schools in Hawaii. Through the life of this project, our "Educate to Eradicate" curriculum project has reached over 4,000 students, and to date more than 11,000 students in more than 250 classrooms in Hawaii public schools. New research results were reported in three papers in the current year. Over the life of this project, we have published 20 technical articles on termites, ants, and other urban pest distribution and management. We have demonstrated which newly introduced ants, such as the little fire ant, have the potential to out compete current ant species and become major pests; and have demonstrated and reported the use of novel bait and targeted liquid pesticide applications with new insecticides for termite control around structures in Hawaii. Through the life of this project, research results were also communicated to the structural pest control industry through membership on the Educational Committee of the Hawaii Pest Control Association, the State of Hawaii Structural Pest Control Board, and the State of Hawaii Registered Industry Complaint Board. PARTICIPANTS: J. Kenneth Grace and Julian R. Yates directed project efforts, and were assisted by two technicians, three graduate students, and student helpers. Pest control operators and private land owners cooperated in field studies. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences included peers in termite control and wood protection research, the agrichemical and pest control industries, manufacturers of wood products, state agencies, public school children, and the public at large. We reached these audiences through presentations at technical and industry conferences, public seminars, implementation of educational curricula, and publication of research results. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Our field studies over the life of this project have demonstrated the value of a long-lasting bait for termite control, Recruit HD, and the pest control industry has been informed of best practices for use of this and other insect bait products. We also documented that the newly invasive termite, the Asian subterranean termite, has a different tunneling pattern than the Formosan subterranean termite; and found that wood preferences of the two species are similar. These results suggest that similar baits may be used for both termite species, but different placements may be optimal. We have documented the distribution and spread of ant pests and other urban pest species in Hawaii, including identification of those that will be significant in coming years. In addition to the use of baits to control urban pests, we have also extended targeted, low-impact strategies for the use of the liquid insecticides thiamethoxam, fipronil, and imidacloprid to the pest control industry, reducing the quantity of pesticides applied for termite control. Our efforts to reach over 11,000 students to date about termite prevention, with lessons that involve parent/guardians, and also to deliver 16 public seminars, are expected to have a positive impact on community-wide termite prevention efforts.
Publications
- Hapukotuwa, N. K. and Grace, J. K. 2010. Comparative study of tunneling and feeding preferences of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Coptotermes gestroi Wasmann (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in foraging arenas. Proceedings of the 2010 National Conference on Urban Entomology. Pp. 33-36.
- Morris, P. I., Grace, J. K., and Tsunoda, K. 2011. Ten year field tests of borate-treated wood against subterranean termites. International Research Group on Wood Protection, Stockholm, Sweden. IRG Document IRG/WP 11-30557. 21 pp.
- Chouvenc, T., Su, N.-Y., and Grace, J. K. 2011. Fifty years of attempted biological control of termites - Analysis of a failure. Biological Control 59: 69-82.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: New information on the behavior, biology and control of the termite species occurring in Hawaii was presented to the Hawaii Pest Control Association (HPCA Learning Conference, Feb 2010), the National Pest Management Association (NPMA Annual Meeting, Sept 2010), Orkin Pest Control (National Technical Forum, Aug 2010), and the National Conference on Urban Entomology (May 2010). Information was extended to 750 students in 11 public schools in Hawaii. To date, our "Educate to Eradicate" curriculum project has reached 9337 students in more than 250 classrooms in Hawaii public schools. Four public seminars on termite prevention and control in 2010 were attended by 183 participants. Research results were published in four refereed journal papers for peers; and extension materials were published for both the pest control industry (1 paper in an industry magazine) and the public at a large (an extension flier published by the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources). An article on our results also appeared in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, August 30, 2010. Research results were also communicated to the structural pest control industry through membership on the Educational Committee of the Hawaii Pest Control Association, the State of Hawaii Structural Pest Control Board, and the State of Hawaii Registered Industry Complaint Board. PARTICIPANTS: J. Kenneth Grace and Julian R. Yates directed project efforts, and were assisted by two technicians and student helpers. Pest control operators and private land owners cooperated in field studies. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences included peers in termite control and wood protection research, the agrichemical and pest control industries, manufacturers of wood products, state agencies, public school children, and the public at large. We reached these audiences through presentations at technical and industry conferences, public seminars, implementation of educational curricula, and publication of research results. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Field studies demonstrated the value of a long-lasting bait for termite control, Recruit HD. The pest control industry was informed of best practices for use of this and other bait products. We also discovered that a newly invasive termite, the Asian subterranean termite, has a different tunneling pattern than the Formosan subterranean termite, suggesting that baits may be placed differently for control of these two species. Our efforts to teach 9337 students to date about termite prevention, with lessons that involve parent/guardians, are expected to have a positive impact on community-wide termite prevention efforts.
Publications
- Grace, J. K. 2010. Aloha termites - pests in paradise. Pest Control Technology (PCT) Convention Extra, October 2010. Pp. 38-39, 50.
- Marks, S. 2010. Appetite for destruction. Honolulu Star-Advertiser, August 30, 2010. http://www.staradvertiser.com/features/20100830_Appetite_for_destruct ion.htmlmobile=true
- Leong, M. K. H. and J. K. Grace. 2009. Occurrence and distribution of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of public health importance on the island of Oahu. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society 41: 57-70.
- Leong, M. K. H. and J. K. Grace. 2009. Occurrence and distribution of bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of public health importance on the island of Oahu. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society 41: 71-78.
- Leong, M. K. H. and J. K. Grace. 2009. Occurrence and distribution of flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae and Muscidae) of public health importance on the island of Oahu. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society 41: 79-88.
- Leong, M. K. H. and J. K. Grace. 2009. Occurrence and distribution of fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) of public health importance on the island of Oahu. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society 41: 89-96. Grace, J. K. 2010. Termites and other pests in paradise. College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa. HSP-4. 4 pp.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: New information on ant distribution in Hawaii, factors affecting local control of drywood termites, and factors affecting the use of baits and soil insecticides against subterranean termites was distributed to peers in 5 refereed publications. Effective termite control methods were also discussed in a television interview in April 2009, and at the National IPM Conference. Results obtained with a long-lasting bait product in development, Recruit HD, were presented to the pest control industry at a meeting organized for this purpose. Research results were also communicated to the structural pest control industry through membership on the Educational Committee of the Hawaii Pest Control Association, the State of Hawaii Structural Pest Control Board, and the State of Hawaii Registered Industry Complaint Board. PARTICIPANTS: J. Kenneth Grace and Julian R. Yates directed project efforts, and were assisted by two technicians and student helpers. Pest control operators and private land owners cooperated in field studies. Training was provided through membership on the Education Committee of the Hawaii Pest Control Association, and by membership on the State of Hawaii Structural Pest Control Board. TARGET AUDIENCES: Results were distributed in peer-reviewed technical journals in order to inform other researchers and those involved in invasive species surveys and management in Hawaii. Conservation workers, the pest control industry, and property owners in Hawaii are local target audiences, and were addressed in presentations to pest managers nationally, and to members of the Hawaii Pest Control Association. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The use of baits for termite control in Hawaii was supported by field tests demonstrating that termites rapidly search out new food sources after encountering food (wood or bait) in the field; but results also demonstrated that care must be taken to avoid killing termites when handling baits in the field, or foraging will be disrupted. The discovery that drywood termite galleries could extend through several different boards emphasized the difficulty of developing targeted treatments for these pests as alternatives to fumigation. The manufacturer of the long-lasting bait product evaluated in our studies, Recruit HD, announced a marketing program for the product for early 2010. The pest control industry was informed of best practices for use of this and other bait products.
Publications
- Woodrow, R. J. and J. K. Grace. 2008. Termite control from the point of view of the termite. In Development of Commercial Wood Preservatives: Efficacy, Environmental and Health Issues (T.P. Shultz, H. Militz, M.H. Freeman, B. Goodell and D.D. Nicholas, Eds.). American Chemical Society Symposium Series 982. Pp. 256-271.
- Leong, M. H. K., and J. K. Grace. 2008. Occurrence and distribution of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), cockroaches (Blattodea), centipedes (Chiolopoda) and wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) of public health importance on the island of Oahu. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society 40: 33-49.
- Grace, J. K., R. J. Woodrow and R. J. Oshiro. 2009. Expansive gallery systems of one-piece termites (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae). Sociobiology 54: 37-44.
- Campora, C. E. and J. K. Grace. 2009. Comparison of tunneling in the laboratory and field by the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Sociobiology 53: 389-401.
- Woodrow, R.J., T.G. Shelton, R.J. Oshiro, J.K. Grace and T.L. Wagner. 2008. Effects of disturbance-induced trauma on foraging by subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Sociobiology 52: 107-118.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Laboratory and field studies on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii identified the ants Pheidole megacephala, Anoplolepis gracilipes, and Wasmannia auropunctata as dominant and aggressive species. Anoplolepis gracilipes appears to be displaced over time however, and the little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata, has the potential to become extremely widespread in Hawaii. Field studies of Formosan subterranean termite control in structures indicated that the nonrepellant soil insecticides Thiamethoxam, Termidor, and Premise are all effective, but that care must be taken to obtain a thorough application of insecticide. In other termite field studies, tests were initiated with the potential bait toxicant lufenuron. These results with both ants and termites were disseminated to peers in technical journals, and to local pest control clientele. PARTICIPANTS: J. Kenneth Grace and Julian R. Yates directed project efforts, and were assisted by two technicians and student helpers. Personnel of the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture assisted in little fire ant research on the island of Hawaii. TARGET AUDIENCES: Results were distributed in peer-reviewed technical journals in order to inform other researchers and those involved in invasive species surveys and management in Hawaii. Conservation workers, the pest control industry, and property owners in Hawaii are local target audiences, and were addressed in presentations to the Hawaiian Entomological Society and the Hawaii Pest Control Association. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Our results indicate that prevention of the spread of the little fire ant in Hawaii is very important, since this species is capable of dominating field sites previously occupied by other invasive ants. The results of our studies of insect control in structures will be applied by pest control professionals and the public to control invasive ants and termites in Hawaii using limited and environmentally-responsible applications of select insecticides and bait toxicants, contributing to a safe and healthy environment for urban residents.
Publications
- Kirschenbaum, R. and J. K. Grace. 2007. Agonistic interactions of four ant species occurring in Hawaii with Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidate). Sociobiology 50: 643-651.
- Kirschenbaum, R. and J. K. Grace. 2008. Agonistic Interactions Among Invasive Ant Species from Two Habitats on Oahu, Hawaii. Sociobiology 51: 543-553.
- Kirschenbaum, R. and J. K. Grace. 2008. Agonistic Responses of the Tramp Ants Anoplolepis gracilipes, Pheidole megacephala, Linepithema humile, and Wasmannia auropunctata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Sociobiology 51: 673-683.
- Yates, J. R. III. 2007. Residential perimeter treatment trials in Hawaii with Thiamethoxam, Termidor, and Premise. Proc. Hawaiian Entomol. Soc. 39: 145-148.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Field studies were performed at residential structures on Oahu to test and improve ant and termite management strategies. Exterior perimeter applications of the insecticide fipronil were found to be effective against the white-footed ant for a 3 month period. Perimeter applications of the insecticide thiamethoxam were demonstrated to prevent Formosan subterranean termite infestation for at least 3 years. Similar applications of fipronil proved effective for periods extending up to 6.8 years, with the exception of three structures where retreatment was required. In all three cases, termite infestations were found in portions of the structure that were removed from the areas of treatment, demonstrating the need to treat all exterior foundations, and cold joints within the structure. Surveys were performed of ant occurrence on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii, and the big-headed ant and white-footed ant were found to be most abundant in habitats on Oahu; while the Argentine ant
and little fire ant were most abundant on Hawaii. White-footed ant has increased its range on Oahu during the past 2 years. Talks on both ant and termite management were delivered at annual conferences of the Hawaii Pest Control Association, Hawaiian Entomological Society, and Entomological Society of America.
PARTICIPANTS: PIs: J. K. Grace, J. R. Yates. Other individuals: C. H. M. Tome (Research Associate), R. Oshiro (Research Associate), Ranit Kirschenbaum (Graduate Research Assistant), R. Joseph Woodrow (Junior Researcher). Partner Organizations: Hawaii Department of Agriculture, University of Hawaii, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, Kauai Invasive Species Committee, Bayer, BASF, Syngenta. Training on ant and termite identification and management was provided to the Hawaii Pest Control Association, and participants in conferences of the Hawaiian Entomological Society, and Entomological Society of America.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences included residents of Oahu and Hawaii; graduate students in Entomology at the University of Hawaii; pest management staff of public agencies; research and extension agents and peers; and the Hawaii pest control industry. Efforts to reach these audiences included article publication, and training presentations at both technical and industry conferences.
Impacts
Surveys of ant occurrence have identified the ant species to be targeted by control efforts on Oahu and Hawaii, and support quarantine measures to prevent little fire ant introduction to Oahu. Adoption of the insecticide fipronil by the pest control industry for both ant and termite control, as a result of this project, reduces pesticide applications by 50% around residential structures in Hawaii due to the greater longevity of this insecticide. Fewer and more targeted pesticide applications improve environmental quality in the State of Hawaii.
Publications
- Kirschenbaum, R. and J. K. Grace. 2007. Dominant ant species in four habitats in Hawaii (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Sociobiology 50: 1069-1073.
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Progress 12/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Field studies on the Island of Oahu with the insecticide fipronil against the long-legged and white-footed ant species demonstrated that an external application around the perimeter of the structures eliminated all detectable ant activity for a 3 month period. Laboratory studies with this insecticide demonstrated efficacy when applied to either porous (paper) or non-porous (plastic) surfaces. Field surveys in the Honolulu area indicated that ant dominance changes over time and with environmental factors. The aggressive white-footed ant is an early invader of urban settings, but is displaced immediately following rain by crazy ant species. Overall, the big-headed ant, and the black house (or glaber) ant are the most abundant species currently in urban locations on Oahu. In field research on the Formosan subterranean termite, we found that the bait toxicant noviflumeron was effective when used in an extended monitoring cycle, in which bait stations were inspected at
90-day, rather than the normal 30-day intervals. Use of this method is expected to reduce consumer costs and promote use of baits for termite control.
Impacts
Our results will be applied by pest control professionals and the public to control invasive ants and termites in Hawaii using very limited and environmentally-responsible applications of select insecticides and bait toxicants. The result will be effective urban insect control with small amounts of insecticide, creating a safe and healthy environment for urban residents.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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