J.K. Grace, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, UH-CTAHR
J.R. Yates, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, UH-CTAHR
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Termites are a major economic threat to trees, wood products, and structures. The purpose of this project is to determine termite distribution in Hawaii, and to develop and evaluate methods of termite prevention and control that are grounded in biology and appropriate for use in a Pacific island environment.
See the CTAHR Termite Project website at http://www2.hawaii.edu/%7Eentomol/index.htm
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Contact Dr. J.K. Grace (kennethg@hawaii.edu)
Phone: 808-956-6744
Fax: 808-956-2428
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OBJECTIVES
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- Distribution of Termites in Hawaii and Biology of New Introductions:
- Determine and describe the current distribution of termite species in the Hawaiian Islands;
- Determine the distribution and average colony size of Coptotermes vastator on Oahu (Hawaii);
- Determine the pest potential of C. vastator in Hawaii with respect to that of C. formosanus (the Formosan subterranean termite):
- Determine comparative feeding rate of C. vastator,
- Determine whether aggressive interactions occur between C. vastator and C. formosanus.
- Effective and Least-Toxic Termite Management Methods for Hawaii:
- Determine the comparative longevity of soil termiticides in Hawaii and effective field rates for C. formosanus control;
- Evaluate and assist in development of novel termite control products (physical barriers, baits, etc.), emphasizing products of local origin:
- Evaluate efficacy of commercial and potential bait products.
- Termite Resistant Wood and Fiber Products for Hawaii:
- Evaluate and assist in development of effective and "least-toxic" wood preservative treatments;
- Identify and assess termite resistance of naturally durable trees and wood products for purposes of cultivation, product development, and application in Hawaii;
- Evaluate and assist in development of engineered wood and agricultural fiber products, emphasizing products of local origin. .
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APPROACH
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This project has three areas of emphasis. Termite distribution will be determined by visual surveys, paired with chemical and genetic techniques for identification. Foraging ecology of the newly-introduced Coptotermes vastator will be examined at recently established field sites using mark-release-recapture methods and genetic techniques, and comparative feeding rates and interactions with C. formosanus will be determined in laboratory assays. Current and potential termite control products and methods will be evaluated by a combination of lab and field assays. Field sites for soil insecticide evaluation are established on the four major Hawaiian islands; while potential baits, wood products and preservative systems are studied at active termite field sites on Oahu. Novel wood treatments, composite products and agricultural fibers are first exposed to C. formosanus in standardized laboratory tests previously published by us and accepted by the American Wood-Preservers' Association, and the results used to select materials for field evaluation using a variety of methods. A protected, above-ground field test design is particularily useful in identifying potential termite-resistant building materials.
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IMPACTS
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Termites cost Hawaii residents over $1 million annually. Study results are presented to home owners, contractors, and pest control professionals to guide in choosing termite control tools. New guides to termites and control have been distributed in print and over the internet. Evaluations of naturally durable composites will lead to new termite-resistant products that conserve forest resources by using waste materials, and minimize pesticide use in the Pacific.
For more information on termite biology, resistance of different Hawaiian and Pacific woods to termites, and termite information for homeowners, see the CTAHR Termite Project website at http://www2.hawaii.edu/%7Eentomol/index.htm
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