Project Number: 6402-22320-005-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Mar 08, 2006
End Date: Mar 07, 2011

Objective:
The objective of this project will be to understand the acoustical communication of fire ants. To achieve this objective the mechanism of sound production will be analyzed for the different castes of fire ants and how these sounds are transmitted to different ants and Formosan subterranean termites will be detected in structures, trees and soil.

Approach:
The detection of near field sound will be evaluated in more detail to explain the mechanism for insect hearing. The system for high frequency or ultrasonic sound production will be investigated among the various ant castes. Acoustical apparatuses will be constructed to detect unseen infestations of termites. These devices will be based on recognition of sound-producing activities.