Progress 10/01/06 to 03/31/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) 1) Measure and evaluate the efficacy and cost effectiveness of area-wide approaches in the control of Formosan Subterranean termites in the 108 city block area of the French Quarter of New Orleans in coordination with Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control Board, and other collaborators. Continue the area-wide integrated management of Formosan subterranean termites in the French Quarter of New Orleans with the following three sub objectives: a) Complete treatment of entire French Quarter. b) Determine the best means to transition to a self-sustaining program. The program should include outreach that addresses a broad base of stakeholders, in addition to the pest control industry. Consideration should be given to building code requirements for new properties. c) Perform the measurements and analyses necessary to determine the entomological and economic effectiveness of the program. Coordinate cooperative research with universities, ARS scientists, and other partners to develop new control and inspection technologies and to improve efficiency of area wide control of Formosan subterranean termites. 2) Coordinate cooperative research with universities, ARS scientists and other partners to develop new control and inspection technologies and to improve efficiency of area wide control of Formosan subterranean termites. a) Establish area-wide management of areas infested with the Formosan subterranean termite in at least two urban and two rural communities outside of New Orleans, leveraging the lessons learned from the French Quarter. Programs should be sustainable and results should be documented entomologically and economically. b) Determine the mechanisms and rates of geographic dispersion of the Formosan subterranean termite, including dispersion from urban structures to forests and from forests to urban areas. c) Analyze the risk to the U.S. of invasive termites, including those already introduced and those that might be introduced in the future. d) Develop and refine acoustical monitoring tools for termite detection. e) Develop guidance for the public communication component of termite integrated pest management by quantitative evaluation of impact from education, communication, urban planning, and building codes. f) Description of the biology of invasive termites species in Hawaii, particularly Coptotermes gestroi. g) Assessment of novel wood preservatives and engineered wood products for use in regions like Hawaii with high-risk to structures from termites. h) Improve baiting and targeted soil insecticide applications by integrating the control techniques with new knowledge about termite foraging behavior. Approach (from AD-416) The Formosan subterranean termite (FST) poses a unique threat to structures and trees because of large colonies existing in dense populations. Traditional methods of using non-repellent termiticides as a protective barrier failed to prevent damage or reduce population density. As a result FST is spreading and threatens rural and urban communities. An Area-wide management strategy using non-repellent termiticides or bait systems is proposed as an alternative to the traditional protective barrier. These termiticides and bait systems are known to eliminate colonies thus reducing density and the threat of further damage and spread. The New Orleans� French Quarter Project will continue as a model of an area-wide strategy in a metropolitan area heavily infested with FST. Success of the strategy to reduce the infesting FST population is measured by comparing pre and post treatment alate numbers and monitoring activity of foragers with in-ground stations. Inspections will determine levels of infestations both pre and post treatment in structures and trees. The economic value of an area-wide approach will be determined by a survey developed by an economist for pest management professionals and property owners. Natural dispersion will be studied using a series of light traps appropriately distant from known sources of marked alates. In- ground stations will detect establishment of new colonies and genotyping used to determine relationship between alates from known sources and termite colonies. Natural dispersion will be studied under three conditions: 1) in rural forested areas where transportation has little impact; 2) in urban neighborhoods; and 3) re-invasion of previously infested areas. Transporting infested materials, e.g. railroad cross ties, boats or cargo accounts for establishment of new infestations hundreds of miles from original sources. ARS will work with university experts, regulatory officials and industry representatives to develop regulatory guidelines to limit the spread of FST by these means. The threat of other invasive species of termites especially from the Asian Pacific and Caribbean is very real in today�s global economy. Extensive literature exists on origin, species identity and possible establishment if introduced to the continental U.S. ARS will work with other scientists to increase this knowledge base and inform appropriate officials of potentially threatening species and suspected materials likely to carry infestations. ARS Scientist in the FST Research Unit in cooperation with the National Center for Physical Acoustics will develop technologies appropriate for detection of existing infestations and a warning system that alerts residents of invading termites. ARS will develop guidance and a survey to measure impact of education of the public about termite infestations and the area-wide management strategy. University experts, industry representatives, government officials and other appropriate agencies will participate in this effort. The fifth expansion of the New Orleans French Quarter (FQ) project, Louisiana, adding 12 blocks to the area under area-wide management, is substantially completed. This gives a total of 78 blocks under treatment plus the railroad and levee that borders the French Quarter for its entire length. A strategy adopted at the March 2006 Meeting of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (FST) Technical Committee to further reduce the FST density in the FQ continues to have favorable results. The inspection program is essential to this success because it identifies active infestations for follow up treatment and also provides critical information regarding progress. For example, inspections conducted since 2005 indicate that 6 of 98 (6%) structures in the original 15 blocks were infested. Originally 18% of the structures were infested. The alate, i.e. winged form, trapping results in 2010 are similar to the results of trapping in 2009. However, in 2010 the peak of swarming activity was delayed approximately 2 weeks, most probably, because of colder temperatures in winter and spring 2010 preceding the usual onset of peak swarming activity in early May. Nevertheless, the current alate capture rate in 2010 is substantially less than the number trapped before area- wide management began in the FQ. The 2010 results are also similar to trapping results of recent years in that there is a consistent pattern in the locations of the most active alate traps suggesting that some of the trapped alates originate from colonies in nearby infested buildings (confirmed by inspections). These trapping results emphasize the need for continuance of the inspection and treatment program (preventive) for termites since eradication is not likely. Accomplishments 01 Characterizing Flying Termites: Although decline in the number of trapp alates, i.e. winged forms, has been used as an indicator of reduction in the formosan termite population in New Orleans� French Quarter, the need for a more robust measure of the impact of area-wide treatment was recognized. Consequently, a research plan to examine the origin of alate and to differentiate the number of colonies contributing to a swarm clou using genetic methods was developed. The central hypothesis of this research is that the average genetic make-up of swarm clouds in neighborhoods under area-wide treatment would become increasingly homogeneous, i.e. fewer colonies contributing to a cloud, as colonies in treated neighborhoods are eliminated. Results indicate that the number of colonies in swarm clouds in the specific neighborhoods where collections were made is declining. In 2003, clouds consisted of individuals from an average of 13 colonies. The average was 7 in 2007 an 2 in 2008. Results of the 2009 and 2010 swarm seasons from other areas i the French Quarter are pending to further confirm that decline in the formosan population is universal throughout the French Quarter. These findings, which also substantiate previous results of trapping data, provide definitive proof that the Formosan termite population in neighborhoods in the French Quarter under area-wide management now consists of fewer colonies, confirming that the population is declining. 02 Decline in Termite Infestations: The railroad tracks and Mississippi River levee that border Decatur Street in the New Orleans - French Quart Louisiana, had been heavily infested with Formosan termites. Such open areas, containing few, if any, structures are not routinely included in termite prevention programs. Nevertheless, termites on the levee and infesting the railroad cross ties were an imminent threat to adjacent properties and eventually all properties in the French Quarter. A baitin program begun in 2004 on the levee and railroad had reduced termite foraging activity there by 98%. Although isolated activity, which was associated with a tree infestation, reoccurred on the levee in 2009, it was eliminated and has not reoccurred through June 2010. Genetic analysi of termites associated with reoccurrence of activity provided evidence that newly active infestations are caused by termites from different colonies than originally detected. The current (2010) level of Formosan termite activity on the level is less than 2%. The possibility of isolat resurgence of activity in areas where activity has been reduced to near zero is a warning of the need for a continuance of monitoring and preventive treatment.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Guillot, F.S., Lax, A.R., Ring, D.R., Morgan, A., Brown, K., Riegel, C., Boykin, D.L. 2010. Area-Wide Management of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in the New Orleans French Quarter. Sociobiology 55(2): 311-338.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) 1) Measure and evaluate the efficacy and cost effectiveness of area-wide approaches in the control of Formosan Subterranean termites in the 108 city block area of the French Quarter of New Orleans in coordination with Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control Board, and other collaborators. Continue the area-wide integrated management of Formosan subterranean termites in the French Quarter of New Orleans with the following three sub objectives: a) Complete treatment of entire French Quarter. b) Determine the best means to transition to a self-sustaining program. The program should include outreach that addresses a broad base of stakeholders, in addition to the pest control industry. Consideration should be given to building code requirements for new properties. c) Perform the measurements and analyses necessary to determine the entomological and economic effectiveness of the program. Coordinate cooperative research with universities, ARS scientists, and other partners to develop new control and inspection technologies and to improve efficiency of area wide control of Formosan subterranean termites. 2) Coordinate cooperative research with universities, ARS scientists and other partners to develop new control and inspection technologies and to improve efficiency of area wide control of Formosan subterranean termites. a) Establish area-wide management of areas infested with the Formosan subterranean termite in at least two urban and two rural communities outside of New Orleans, leveraging the lessons learned from the French Quarter. Programs should be sustainable and results should be documented entomologically and economically. b) Determine the mechanisms and rates of geographic dispersion of the Formosan subterranean termite, including dispersion from urban structures to forests and from forests to urban areas. c) Analyze the risk to the U.S. of invasive termites, including those already introduced and those that might be introduced in the future. d) Develop and refine acoustical monitoring tools for termite detection. e) Develop guidance for the public communication component of termite integrated pest management by quantitative evaluation of impact from education, communication, urban planning, and building codes. Approach (from AD-416) The Formosan subterranean termite (FST) poses a unique threat to structures and trees because of large colonies existing in dense populations. Traditional methods of using non-repellent termiticides as a protective barrier failed to prevent damage or reduce population density. As a result FST is spreading and threatens rural and urban communities. An Area-wide management strategy using non-repellent termiticides or bait systems is proposed as an alternative to the traditional protective barrier. These termiticides and bait systems are known to eliminate colonies thus reducing density and the threat of further damage and spread. The New Orleans� French Quarter Project will continue as a model of an area-wide strategy in a metropolitan area heavily infested with FST. Success of the strategy to reduce the infesting FST population is measured by comparing pre and post treatment alate numbers and monitoring activity of foragers with in-ground stations. Inspections will determine levels of infestations both pre and post treatment in structures and trees. The economic value of an area-wide approach will be determined by a survey developed by an economist for pest management professionals and property owners. Natural dispersion will be studied using a series of light traps appropriately distant from known sources of marked alates. In- ground stations will detect establishment of new colonies and genotyping used to determine relationship between alates from known sources and termite colonies. Natural dispersion will be studied under three conditions: 1) in rural forested areas where transportation has little impact; 2) in urban neighborhoods; and 3) re-invasion of previously infested areas. Transporting infested materials, e.g. railroad cross ties, boats or cargo accounts for establishment of new infestations hundreds of miles from original sources. ARS will work with university experts, regulatory officials and industry representatives to develop regulatory guidelines to limit the spread of FST by these means. The threat of other invasive species of termites especially from the Asian Pacific and Caribbean is very real in today�s global economy. Extensive literature exists on origin, species identity and possible establishment if introduced to the continental U.S. ARS will work with other scientists to increase this knowledge base and inform appropriate officials of potentially threatening species and suspected materials likely to carry infestations. ARS Scientist in the FST Research Unit in cooperation with the National Center for Physical Acoustics will develop technologies appropriate for detection of existing infestations and a warning system that alerts residents of invading termites. ARS will develop guidance and a survey to measure impact of education of the public about termite infestations and the area-wide management strategy. University experts, industry representatives, government officials and other appropriate agencies will participate in this effort. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations The fifth expansion of the French Quarter (FQ) project, adding 12 blocks to the area under area-wide management, is substantially completed. This gives a total of 78 blocks under treatment plus the railroad and levee that borders the French Quarter for its entire length. A strategy adopted at the March 2006 Meeting of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (FST) Technical Committee to further reduce the FST density in the FQ which began in the summer of 2006 continues to have favorable results. The inspection program, which has been essential to this success, continues to the present. Technology Transfer Number of Web Sites managed: 4 Number of Other Technology Transfer: 81
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) 1) Measure and evaluate the efficacy and cost effectiveness of area-wide approaches in the control of Formosan Subterranean termites in the 108 city block area of the French Quarter of New Orleans in coordination with Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control Board, and other collaborators. Continue the area-wide integrated management of Formosan subterranean termites in the French Quarter of New Orleans with the following three sub objectives: a) Complete treatment of entire French Quarter. b) Determine the best means to transition to a self-sustaining program. The program should include outreach that addresses a broad base of stakeholders, in addition to the pest control industry. Consideration should be given to building code requirements for new properties. c) Perform the measurements and analyses necessary to determine the entomological and economic effectiveness of the program. Coordinate cooperative research with universities, ARS scientists, and other partners to develop new control and inspection technologies and to improve efficiency of area wide control of Formosan subterranean termites. 2) Coordinate cooperative research with universities, ARS scientists and other partners to develop new control and inspection technologies and to improve efficiency of area wide control of Formosan subterranean termites. a) Establish area-wide management of areas infested with the Formosan subterranean termite in at least two urban and two rural communities outside of New Orleans, leveraging the lessons learned from the French Quarter. Programs should be sustainable and results should be documented entomologically and economically. b) Determine the mechanisms and rates of geographic dispersion of the Formosan subterranean termite, including dispersion from urban structures to forests and from forests to urban areas. c) Analyze the risk to the U.S. of invasive termites, including those already introduced and those that might be introduced in the future. d) Develop and refine acoustical monitoring tools for termite detection. e) Develop guidance for the public communication component of termite integrated pest management by quantitative evaluation of impact from education, communication, urban planning, and building codes. Approach (from AD-416) The Formosan subterranean termite (FST) poses a unique threat to structures and trees because of large colonies existing in dense populations. Traditional methods of using non-repellent termiticides as a protective barrier failed to prevent damage or reduce population density. As a result FST is spreading and threatens rural and urban communities. An Area-wide management strategy using non-repellent termiticides or bait systems is proposed as an alternative to the traditional protective barrier. These termiticides and bait systems are known to eliminate colonies thus reducing density and the threat of further damage and spread. The New Orleans� French Quarter Project will continue as a model of an area-wide strategy in a metropolitan area heavily infested with FST. Success of the strategy to reduce the infesting FST population is measured by comparing pre and post treatment alate numbers and monitoring activity of foragers with in-ground stations. Inspections will determine levels of infestations both pre and post treatment in structures and trees. The economic value of an area-wide approach will be determined by a survey developed by an economist for pest management professionals and property owners. Natural dispersion will be studied using a series of light traps appropriately distant from known sources of marked alates. In- ground stations will detect establishment of new colonies and genotyping used to determine relationship between alates from known sources and termite colonies. Natural dispersion will be studied under three conditions: 1) in rural forested areas where transportation has little impact; 2) in urban neighborhoods; and 3) re-invasion of previously infested areas. Transporting infested materials, e.g. railroad cross ties, boats or cargo accounts for establishment of new infestations hundreds of miles from original sources. ARS will work with university experts, regulatory officials and industry representatives to develop regulatory guidelines to limit the spread of FST by these means. The threat of other invasive species of termites especially from the Asian Pacific and Caribbean is very real in today�s global economy. Extensive literature exists on origin, species identity and possible establishment if introduced to the continental U.S. ARS will work with other scientists to increase this knowledge base and inform appropriate officials of potentially threatening species and suspected materials likely to carry infestations. ARS Scientist in the FST Research Unit in cooperation with the National Center for Physical Acoustics will develop technologies appropriate for detection of existing infestations and a warning system that alerts residents of invading termites. ARS will develop guidance and a survey to measure impact of education of the public about termite infestations and the area-wide management strategy. University experts, industry representatives, government officials and other appropriate agencies will participate in this effort. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations The fifth expansion of the French Quarter (FQ) project, adding 12 blocks to the area under area-wide management, was started in 2007. This gives a total of 78 blocks under treatment plus the rail road and levee that borders the French Quarter for its entire length. A strategy adopted at the March 2006 Meeting of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (FST) Technical Committee to further reduce the FST density in the FQ which began in the summer of 2006 continues to have favorable results. The inspection program, which has been essential to this success, has continued to the present. Appropriate specific cooperative agreements to support the FQ project were renewed in 2008. The in-house projects for the following subordinate projects: Louisiana State University Ag Center (LSU Ag)(6435-32000-011- 15S) and the New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control Board (NOMTCB) (6435-32000-011-16S) were renewed. Previous projects expired and new projects were initiated with Texas A&M University (6435-32000-011-19S), University of Florida (6435-32000-011-18S), The Audubon Nature Institute 6435-32000-011-21G), University of Hawaii (6435-32000-011-20S), Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) (6435- 32000-011-22S) and the National Center for Physical Acoustics (6435-32000- 011-17S). NP 104, Component 1, 3, 4, Problem Statement: 1.1.3, 3.1.5, 3.4.3, 4.2.1. Technology Transfer Number of Web Sites managed: 4
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Continue the area-wide integrated management of Formosan subterranean termites in the French Quarter of New Orleans with the following three sub objectives: a) Complete treatment of entire French Quarter. b) Determine the best means to transition to a self-sustaining program. The program should include outreach that addresses a broad base of stakeholders, in addition to the pest control industry. Consideration should be given to building code requirements for new properties. c) Perform the measurements and analyses necessary to determine the entomological and economic effectiveness of the program. 2) Establish area-wide management of areas infested with the Formosan subterranean termite in at least two urban and two rural communities outside of New Orleans, leveraging the lessons learned from the French Quarter. Programs should be sustainable and results should be documented entomologically and economically. 3) Determine the mechanisms and rates of geographic dispersion of the Formosan subterranean termite, including dispersion from urban structures to forests and from forests to urban areas. 4) Analyze the risk to the U.S. of invasive termites, including those already introduced and those that might be introduced in the future. 5) Develop and refine acoustical monitoring tools for termite detection. 6) Develop guidance for the public communication component of termite integrated pest management by quantitative evaluation of impact from education, communication, urban planning, and building codes. Approach (from AD-416) Success of the area�wide strategy to reduce the size of the FST population will be determined by trapping of alates and foragers and by inspections of properties for active termite infestations. Microsatillite DNA genotyping will be employed to determine colony affiliation and to verify colony elimination after treatment. Information about FST infestations from State and local officials, members of the pest control industry and local property owners will be gathered so that areas may be determined and prioritized for implementation of an area wide suppression strategy. Collaborative projects will be established and ARS funds allocated to appropriate Universities and other government agencies to conduct area-wide management tests. Collaborate with FST researchers to determine and prioritize research projects and allocate ARS funds for development of technology and new techniques for improvement of area-wide and FST control strategies. Communicate to government officials, ARS administrators, researchers, members of the pest control industry, and interested property owners the success of area-wide programs and development of new and improved technologies for the suppression and management of FST. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations The fourth expansion of the French Quarter (FQ) project, adding 8 blocks to the area under area-wide management, was started in 2007. This gives a total of 64 blocks under treatment plus the rail line and levee that borders the French Quarter for its entire length. A strategy adopted at the March 2006 Meeting of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (FST) Technical Committee to further reduce the FST density in the FQ began in the summer of 2006 and has had favorable results in 2007. In 2006-2007 the inspection program continued and achieved the number of inspections annually for FST infestations in structures and trees that had been conducted prior to Katrina. Appropriate specific cooperative agreements to support the FQ project were renewed in 2007. This is the in-house project for the following subordinate projects: Louisiana State University (LSU) (6435-32000-011-07S), New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control Board (NOMTCB) (6435-32000-011-08S), Texas A&M University (6435- 32000-011-09S), University of Florida (6435-32000-011-10S), The Audubon Institute (6435-32000-011-11G), University of Hawaii (6435-32000-011-12S), Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) (6435- 32000-011-13S), LSU (6435-32000-011-14S) and LSU (6435-32000-011-15S). Accomplishments 1. Area-Wide integrated Management of Formosan Subterranean Termite (FST) in the French Quarter (FQ). The outcome of implementing the Technical Committee�s plan for further reducing the FST density has been very favorable. Even before the plan was fully developed and implemented, treatment of the rail line and levee had begun. Since this area borders the FQ and was heavily infested with termites, it was deemed necessary to remove the infestations which certainly contributed to termite swarms in FQ neighborhoods and posed a continuing threat to FQ properties. Two years after treatment began termite activity was reduce by 95%. The last detected termite activity on the levee was in January 2007. The French Market and Old U.S. Mint, located in the southeast corner of the FQ, were also heavily infested. An intensive treatment program with a commercially available bait product was initiated in October 2006. The level of activity for in-ground monitoring stations in the area in 2006 was 36%. As of July 2007, these same in-ground monitoring stations are no longer active. Further success at reducing the termite density in the FQ is now evident from the results obtained in the originally treated 15 blocks (Area I). The FST density as measured by alate (winged form) declined 50% two years after initiation of area-wide management in Area I. Unfortunately, there was no further decline. As a result of implementation of steps approved in the March 2006 FST Technical Committee Meeting there has been 48% reduction in the number of trapped alates in 2007. The total reduction in trapped alates in Area I since the inception of the program is now 76%. Another sign of reduction in the termite density in Area I is in the data from the number of active in- ground stations in the area. The number of active in-ground stations in the area has declined from a high of 21 for 2006 to only one by July 2007. Since it is known that each of these active traps represents activity from 21 different colonies, the results are that 20 colonies appear eliminated. The termites from the remaining colony show signs of termiticide poisoning and are expected to be eliminated in the August 2007 sample. Inspections provide essential information regarding progress of the area-wide management strategy and precise locations of colonies causing damage. The former measures progress as the number of positive inspections decreases with time and the latter identifies above-ground colonies for directed application of treatment that escaped traditional, ground-level treatments in soil around structures. The success of the inspection program accounts in part for the most recent decline in the number of alates. NP104, Component 4, Statment 4.3: Area Wide 2. Public communication and education. Descriptions and illustrations of the Formosan subterranean termite and potential control measures are available through our ARS Web Site: www.ars.usda.gov/is/fullstop). Formal and informal meetings are held with cooperators to plan and implement an expansion of the test area and to determine strategy for further reduction of the FST population in the FQ. Meetings are held regularly with cooperators, pest control operators and the public to provide information on the available treatment options and to provide updates on the progress with the FQ project. We have provided direct telephone consultations with numerous homeowners and pest control companies concerning options available with current control technology and the benefit to the neighborhood community of the area-wide strategy. NP104, Component 4, Statment 4.3: Area Wide. 3. Continue to analyze the risk to the U.S. of invasive termites. The spread and distribution of FST nationally in infested railroad crossties has been demonstrated and explained to appropriate State, University Extension and Industry representatives. The area-wide strategy as an important alternative for management of termite infestations has been presented in seminars and professional meetings to neighborhood associations, University Extension & Faculty, and to representatives of the professional pest control industry. NP104, Component 4, Statment 4. 3: Area Wide. Technology Transfer Number of Web Sites managed: 4 Number of Non-Peer Reviewed Presentations and Proceedings: 23 Number of Newspaper Articles,Presentations for NonScience Audiences: 15
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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