Source: OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
BIOLOGY, ECOLOGY, AND PEST MANAGEMENT OF WOOD-DESTROYING SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1016566
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2018
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2023
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
STILLWATER,OK 74078
Performing Department
Entomology And Plant Pathology
Non Technical Summary
Inadequate knowledge of termite biology, ecology, foraging, and feeding behavior complicates effective evaluation of new technology such as baits and baiting strategies,physical barriers, resistant building materials, insect growth regulators, and new unique mode-of-action materials that are increasing in use for wood-damaging arthropod control. New equipment, materials, and strategies require detailed efficacy assessment because of incomplete information on termite foraging behavior relative to baits, and the rapid increase in the number of potentially successful low mammalian toxicity baits that need long-term field evaluation. Research conducted will address issues of concern to owners and inhabitants of wooden structures. This in part will provide objective information concerning efficacy of current and new termiticides, baits, insect growth regulators, biological agents, and low-toxicity and non-toxic barrier methods and technology, intended for use in termite prevention and control. Additionally a greater knowledge of termite biology and ecology will be gained, and thus aid in our understanding of termite management as well as their benefits to the environment.
Animal Health Component
60%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
20%
Applied
60%
Developmental
20%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
21606991130100%
Knowledge Area
216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
0699 - Trees, forests, and forest products, general;

Field Of Science
1130 - Entomology and acarology;
Goals / Objectives
Investigate taxonomy, biology, and ecology of subterranean termites.Investigate metabolic gas emission contributions on the OK Tallgrass Prairie.Investigate termite feeding habits on native prairie plant roots and stems.Evaluate the effectiveness of new and emerging termite management technologies, including physical non-chemical barriers, wood preservatives, and resistance of wiring insulation to termite attack.Provide Technology Transfer to research scientists, university extension agents, pestmanagement personnel, pesticide developers and manufacturers, pest controlresearch personnel, certified and licensed pesticide applicators, general public, university students, and urban and structural pest specialists.
Project Methods
Obj. 1. Investigate taxonomy, morphology, biology, and ecology of indigenous subterranean termites in Oklahoma. a. Determine species and distribution of subterranean termites in Oklahoma.Studies are currently concentrated on the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve (TGPP) in NE OK and to a limited extent in SW Oklahoma pastures and grasslands. Sub-soil traps and soil-surface ground-boards are placed across the TGPP within three vegetative regimes, resulting in 100 monitoring sites. Each site is evaluated cyclically for termite presence. Additional pitfall traps are placed in the same sites to determine arthropod diversity, especially predators of termites. These studies will extend our knowledge of species diversity and elucidate the range of several Oklahoma indigenous termites, but as of May 2018, the exotic Formosan termite has not been captured in Oklahoma. b. Morphology and chemical taxonomy of indigenous subterranean termites.Specific morphological measurements from multiple specimens of each caste from varying Oklahoma sites will be determined. Studies will determine the mean total length from tip of mandibles to most distal end of the abdomen, plus head capsule width and length including mandibles, curvature of the mandibles, the shape and maximum and minimum dimensions of gula (soldiers), and wing venation and proximity of ocelli to main eye (alates only) will be determined. Mean values will be compared among different colonies and species to gain knowledge of taxonomic features of Oklahoma termites. Differences between the same termite species in Oklahoma and widely separated geographic areas in the USA will be evaluated. An initial study was published by Brown et al. (2005), but is continuing as more specimens and additional species are discovered. To enhance species identification, cuticular hydrocarbon and lipid content studies will be accomplished in cooperation with OSU scientists using GC, HPLC, and other technologies. Termite specimens designated for MtDNA studies will be collected and species MtDNA profiles will be developed in cooperation with geneticists, and utilized for species identification and comparison with standard morphologic identifications and to correlate the determinations of the two methodologies. One cooperative DNA study was published by Austin et al. (2004).Obj. 2. Investigate termite-resistant physical barriers in building construction. Investigate termite-resistant physical barriers used in building construction. Evaluate efficacy of existing, improved, new, and emerging termite management technologies, including physical non-chemical construction barriers, wood preservative effectiveness, and plastics resistant to termite attack, and new low-environmental impact termiticides. a. Investigate the resistance of experimental synthetic insulation used for encasing electrical wires and coaxial cable to damage by termites.Installations of experimental insulation attached to wooden billets inside plastic containers placed in termite-infested soil are evaluated termite feeding damage every 6 months. Tests include native plus exotic termites. Feeding damage to each experimental plastic will be rated and compared. b. Evaluate the resistance of building construction commercial vapor barriers for resistance to termite damage. Several sub-concrete-slab commercial vapor barriers claim resistance to structural pests to include termites. These plastics need further lab and field evaluations to validate termite-resistance claims. Tests will be conducted and evaluated in simulated construction test units for up to 5 years. years duration. Physical barriers to include plastic vapor barriers, rubberized sealants, and self-adhesive and non-adhesive water sealant membranes as barriers against penetration by termites. Termite-resistant physical barriers, e.g. steel mesh and shields, water-proofing membranes, rubberized or plasticized sheeting or caulks, and insecticide-impregnated plastics will be tested in laboratory and field environments for resistance to damage and penetration by termites. Laboratory studies place the barrier in direct contact with foraging subterranean termites. Resistance to damage will be evaluated. Field studies will place barriers on or in soil in areas of high termite densities. Studies will be configured to simulate construction practices in which the barriers will be applied. Successful barriers will be evaluated beyond 5 years and until failure, necessitating extended evaluations. c. Test effectiveness of new insecticidal surface coatings for wooden structural members for resistance and toxicity to foraging termites.Coating and preservatives will be applied to wooden according to label directions and manufacturer's protocols. Effectiveness of treatments will be evaluated for at least five years to meet EPA requirements.Obj. 3. Investigate termite feeding habits and production of metabolic gas emissions by termites, and ecology of termites on a tallgrass prairie. Determine the production of metabolic gas emissions by termites, and ecology of termites on a tallgrass prairie. Evaluate feeding preferences, effects on soil characteristics, impact on plant diversity and feeding by termites, production of metabolic gas emissions on a tallgrass prairie. Large plots of land are set aside to investigate gas emissions by termites. Termites are excluded from some plots and gas emissions with and without termites determined. Feeding preferences on various prairie grasses are being studied and the effects of termites on soil characteristics and plant growth are being evaluated.

Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience:OSU Extension Educators Urban and Structural Pest Management Research Scientists Pest Management Industry Professionals Private and Commercial Certified Pesticide Applicators Home and Building Owners Building Architects Research Scientists Pesticide Developers and Manufacturers Pest Control Research Scientists Master Gardeners and General Public Home Builders and Contractors University Divisions of Agriculture University Students Urban and Structural Pest Management Specialists Government Departments of Agriculture Government Consumer Protection Agencies Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Provided 25 teaching sessions to pest management professionals, scientists, students, and the general public. Mentored two undergraduate students involved in biological and pest management sciences. Provided hands-on training to pest management professionals, extension educators, scientists, students, and pesticide applicators during conferences, workshops, in-service training sessions, symposia, and pesticide applicator certification training. Published scientific research results as well as general information fact sheets and Pest e-Alerts. Revised Pesticide Applicator Certification training manuals and resource materials. Counseled and guided two entomology BS students during their senior Capstone research projects. Provided advice and consultation to Private and Commercial pesticide applicators, and many citizens of Oklahoma. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Several classroom and field training events and pesticide safety education presentations at professional conferences and an In-Service on-line training session were conducted. Extension and scientific papers were published and distributed to extension educators, pest management professionals, students, colleagues, and US citizens. Fact sheets and Pest e-Alerts were provided as additional information distribution tools. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue to provide hands-on training and teaching events, and continue with pesticide applicator certification programs and professional conference presentations. Provide presentations, scientific posters, and proceedings publications from scientific conferences. Publish 3-4 scientific journals and technical papers. Continue experiments delineating metabolic gas emissions of subterranean termites and termite contribution to greenhouse gases. Continue experiments investigating the efficacy of new termiticide application technologies and protocols to protect wooden buildings against termite damage. Continue experiments concerning termite-resistant building materials to determine the materials that have an extended construction life in termite-infested soils.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. Taxonomy of two types of termites and one high plains ant is being determined, and a description of these insects is being developed for publication. The termites consist of a specialized dampwood termite that reduces and decomposes dead logs and tree stumps in high mountain elevations, aiding in nutrient recycling in both natural and planted tree stands. The second is a subterranean termite that co-exists with harvester ants on high prairie alluvial plateaus in central Idaho. Both termite species are important recyclers of cellulose in their natural environment, affecting carbon sequestration in two very different ecosystems. The harvester ants collect and distribute grass and shrub seeds on a high prairie. The high prairie habitat study is completed and will soon be published in a scientific journal, aiding understanding of termite impact in grasslands at high altitude livestock grazing habitats. 2. A study of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) flux in laboratory termite bioassay arenas was completed and submitted for publication in a scientific journal. Data collected showed that termites produce significant amounts of both these greenhouse gases, aiding in our understanding of possible confounding variables that can occur as concentrations of CH4 and CO2 accumulate within enclosed arenas that can restrict normal air exchange. Knowledge gained about the concentrations of greenhouse gases in laboratory experimental arena environments will facilitate better experimental designs that reduce or eliminate these confounding factors. 3. Termite feeding studies on the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in NE Oklahoma are completed. Feeding preferences on native plants and termite influence on plant diversity data have been gathered and analyzed. Termites showed preferences for different plant stems and roots, therefore affecting plant diversity and growth. Termite feeding affected litter accumulation and plant mass per unit area, demonstrating the positive effects of termites on root stimulation and nutrient recycling. Data are analyzed and two scientific papers are being prepared. These studies provide a greater understanding of the role of termites in native grasslands and their effect on forage for large animals such as deer and bison. These studies have added to our knowledge of termite impacts within the soil environment. 4. New application direct injection of termiticides to soil around structure foundations have completed their 5-year study. Based on this research, data were submitted to the USEPA with a new label allowing for non-traditional application methods nationwide. The financial impact and labor-saving results of this published study are in the 100s-of-millions of dollars annually to the pest management industry. Additional studies of plastic wire insulation also increased our knowledge of termite-resistant building materials, especially plastic insulation used for metal wiring. Results of these termite-resistant material studies are complete and being prepared for publication in a scientific journal. Wood protection studies using specially formulated insecticides applied as surface sprays on wooden boards are underway in both laboratory and field environments. These studies are investigating the efficacy of insecticide treatments to wood surfaces and how long such treatments prevent termite damage to the wood. These studies will lead to new USEPA-registered pesticides for building construction use. The use of high-density plastics to avoid damage and stop electrical short-circuits by subterranean termites chewing will be useful throughout the building industry world-wide. 5. Studies on the distribution of insecticides in building foundation soil fill and aggregate commercial foundation fills were completed and published in scientific journals. Results determined expected concentrations of insecticide that occur during a commercial termiticide application to foundation fills, thereby providing state regulators and pest management professionals objective knowledge about the amounts of insecticide that should occur following a label treatment to fill. Therefore, it can be determined if the treatment meets state regulatory standards. Training also improved pesticide applicator's skills and pesticide safety proficiency. Training increased the number of proficient, certified pesticide applicators in Oklahoma, and contiguous states. These studies also increased our knowledge of urban- and structural-damaging pests and improved our control techniques. The scientific information was provided to pest management professionals, industry representatives and scientists, and the general citizenry. Educational materials and training were provided to several thousand private and commercial pesticide applicators in Oklahoma, as well as pesticide users nationwide.

Publications

  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Household Pests: Insects, Household Pest Control Suggestions. 2020. Extension Agents' Handbook of Insect, Plant Disease and Weed Control: E-832. OSU OCES.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Elliot, W. J., D. S. Page-Dumroese, S. P. Cook, M. F. Jurgenson, C. A. Miller, I. S. Miller, and B. M. Kard. 2020. Restoring Sagebrush-Steppe Rangeland using Prescribed Fire. USDA-Forest Service Research Archive Report.
  • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Kard, B. M., C. E. Konemann, K. T. Shelton, and C. C. Luper. 2020. Drywood Termites: Occasional Hitch-Hikers into Oklahoma. Pest e-Alerts Vol. 19, No. 10.
  • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Kard, B. M., C. E. Konemann, K. T. Shelton, and C. C. Luper. 2020. Drywood Termites: Exotic Travelers to Oklahoma. OCES Fact Sheet EPP-7337.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2020 Citation: Kard, B. M. 2020. Determining Termiticide Residues in Building Foundation Fills, Wood Protection Field Tests and Pest-resistant Physical Barriers. BWI Pest and Lawn Conference presentation. 26 February 2020.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2020 Citation: Kard, B. M., K. T. Shelton, Charles C. Luper and C. E. Konemann. 2020. Wood-Destroying Insects. 6th Annual Oklahoma Pest Management Association Conference. 17-18 September 2020.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Kard, B. M. 2020. Native and Invasive Termites in Oklahoma. Entomology and Plant Pathology In-Service. Zoom video presentation. 17 April 2020.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Hess, Thomas M., Bruce H. Noden, Liam Whiteman, Melissa Reed, Brad Kard and W. Wyatt Hoback. 2020. Mosquito Community and West Nile Virus Risk on a National Guard Training Base in Oklahoma. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 36(2): 81-88.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Ocran, A. F., G. P. Opit, B. H. Noden, F. H. Arthur, and B. M. Kard. 2020. Effects of Dehumidification on the Survivorship or Four Psocid Species. Journal of Economic Entomology.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Ocran, A. F., G. P. Opit, F. H. Arthur, B. M. Kard, and B. H. Noden. 2020. Population Growth and Development of Liposcelis obscura (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) at Constant Temperatures and Relative Humidities. Journal of Economic Entomology.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Kard, B. M. 2020. SunUp Segment. 07-08 March 2020. Venomous Spiders of Oklahoma.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Kard, B. M. 2020. Annual Report: Structural and Urban Entomology Endowment Program and the Pinkston Education Facility for Structural and Household Pest Control.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kard, B. M. 2019. SunUp Segment. 14-15 Dec 2019. Home Tips for Handling Firewood. [not previously reported]


Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19

Outputs
Target Audience: OSU Extension Educators Urban and Structural Pest Management Research Scientists Pest Management Industry Professionals Private and Commercial Certified Pesticide Applicators Home and Building Owners Research Scientists Pesticide Developers and Manufacturers Pest Control Research Scientists Master Gardeners and General Public Home Builders and Contractors University Students Urban and Structural Pest Control Specialists Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Provided 25 teaching sessions to pest management professionals, students, and the general public. Mentored undergraduate and graduate students involved in biological and pest management sciences. Provided hands-on training to pest management professionals, extension educators, scientists, students, and pesticide applicators during conferences, workshops, in-service training sessions, symposia, and pesticide applicator certification training. Conducted a formal structural forensics entomology guest lecture concerning recognition and diagnosis of structural and urban pests and their biology and management. Published scientific research papers as well as general information publications. Revised Pesticide Applicator Certification training manuals and resource materials. Counseled and guided a BS and an MS student during their research project. Provided advice and consultation to Private and Commercial pesticide applicators. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dozens of classroom and field training events and presentations at professional conferences were conducted. Several extension and scientific papers were published and distributed to extension educators, pest management professionals, students, colleagues, and US citizens. Fact sheets and Pest e-Alerts were provided as additional information distribution tools. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue to provide hands-on training and teaching events, and continue with pesticide applicator certification programs and professional conference presentations. Provide presentations, scientific posters and proceedings publications from scientific conferences. Publish 3-4 scientific journals and technical papers. Continue experiments delineating metabolic gas emissions of subterranean termites and termite contribution to greenhouse gases. Continue experiments investigating the efficacy of new termiticide application technologies andprotocols to protect wooden buildings against termite damage. Continue experiments concerning termite-resistant building materials to determine the materials that have an extended construction life in termite-infested soils.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. The taxonomy of two different types of termites was investigated and a description of these termites is being developed into two scientific papers. These termites consist of a specialized dampwood termite that reduces and decomposes dead logs and tree stumps, aiding in nutrient recycling in both natural and planted tree stands. The second is a grass-feeding termite that coexists with other insects, but especially harvester ants on high prairie habitats in central Idaho. Both these species are important recyclers of cellulose in the natural environment, affecting carbon sequestration in two very different ecosystems. The high prairie habitat study is completed and will be published in a scientific journal, aiding understanding of termite impact in grasslands at high altitudes. 2. A study of methane and carbon dioxide flux from Oklahoma Tallgrass Prairie soils was completed and published in a scientific journal. Data collected showed that termites produce significant amounts of both these greenhouse gases, aiding in our understanding of natural sources and atmospheric concentrations of CH3 and CO2. The determination of natural flux allows for comparison over time with climate change and its effects on changes in natural gas flux from vast areas of grassland. The knowledge gained about the concentrations of greenhouse gases emitted from non-disturbed grassland soils with and without termites present provides background normal flux concentrations that will be invaluable when evaluating the effects of a changing climate on these fluxes and the potential of these gases to affect global warming. 3. Termite feeding studies on the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in NE Oklahoma have been completed. Feeding preferences on native plants and termite influence on plant diversity data have been gathered and analyzed. Termites showed preferences for different plant stems and roots, therefore affecting plant diversity and growth. Termite feeding affected litter accumulation and plant mass per unit area, demonstrating the positive effects of termites on root stimulation and nutrient recycling. Data have been analyzed and two scientific papers are nearing submission to journals. These studies provide a greater understanding of the role of termites in native grasslands and their effect on forage for large animals such as deer and bison. These studies have added to our knowledge of termite impacts within the soil environment. 4. New application direct injection of termiticides to soil around structure foundations had led to new USEPA labels allowing for non-traditional application methods nationwide. The financial impact and labor-saving results of this published study are in the 100s-of-millions of dollars annually to the pest management industry. Additional studies of plastic wire insulation also increased our knowledge of termite-resistant building materials, especially plastic insulation used for metal wiring. Results of these termite-resistant material studies are complete and being prepared for publication in a scientific journal. Wood protection studies using specially formulated insecticides are underway in both laboratory and field environments. These studies are investigating the efficacy of insecticide treatments to wood surfaces and how long such treatments prevent termite damage to the wood. These studies will lead to new USEPA-registered pesticides for building construction use. The use of high-density plastics to avoid damage and stop electrical short-circuits by subterranean termites chewing will be useful throughout the building industry worldwide. 5. Studies on the distribution of insecticides in building foundation soil fill and aggregate commercial foundation fills were completed and published in scientific journals. Results determined expected concentrations of insecticide that occur during a commercial termiticide application to foundation fills, thereby providing state regulators and pest management professionals objective knowledge about the amounts of insecticide that should occur following a label treatment to fill. Therefore, it can be determined if the treatment meets state regulatory standards. Training also improved pesticide applicator's skills and pesticide safety proficiency. Training increased the number of proficient certified pesticide applicators, thus improving efficiency while reducing the number of pesticides entering the environment. These studies also increased our knowledge of urban- and structural-damaging pests and improved our control techniques. The scientific information was provided to pest management professionals, and educational materials were provided to several thousand private and commercial pesticide applicators in Oklahoma, as well as pesticide users nationwide.

Publications

  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Household Pests: Insects, Household Pest Control Suggestions. Extension Agents' Handbook of Insect, Plant Disease and Weed Control: E-832. OSU OCES.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kard, B. M. 2019. Termite Biology and Management. Georgia Pest Management Association Winter Conference. University of Georgia, Athens. January 8, 2019
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kard, B. M., C. E. Konemann, K. T. Shelton and C. C. Luper. 2019. Oklahoma New Extension Educator Welcome and Orientation. Structural and Household Pests and the Pesticide Safety Education Program. January 29, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kard, B. M., K. T. Shelton, C. E. Konemann and C. C. Luper. 2019. Termiticide Distribution and Concentration in Gravel Fill. American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators Southern Region Conference. June 11-12, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kard, B. M., K. T. Shelton, Charles Luper and C. Konemann. 2019. Ant Biology and Management. 5th Annual Oklahoma Pest Management Association Conference. 19 SEP 2019.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Kard, B. M., C. E. Konemann, K. T. Shelton, C. C. Luper and M. E. Payton. 2018. Advection of Liquid Termiticides within Building Foundation Aggregate Fill. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 91(3): 209-222.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Konemann, C. E., B. M. Kard, T. A. Royer and M. E. Payton. 2018. Metabolic Gas Emissions from Prairie Soil Containing Foraging Termites. The Prairie Naturalist 50(2): 46-58.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kard, B. M., Bob Cartwright, C. E. Konemann and M. E. Payton. 2019. Mortality of Subterranean Termites Tunneling in Sand Treated with Single or Dual-Combination Insecticides. Southwestern Entomologist 44(3): 577-584.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kard, B. M. 2019. Annual Report: Structural and Urban Entomology Endowment Program and the Pinkston Education Facility for Structural and Household Pest Control.