Project Number: 6435-32000-011-07
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Mar 01, 2002
End Date: Feb 28, 2007

Objective:
Establish and coordinate an expansion of the area-wide suppression project for Formosan termites presently being conducted in the New Orleans French Quarter. Evaluate effectiveness of control technology for the area-wide suppression of Formosan termites. Monitor performances of Pest Management Professionals in test site. Evaluate effectiveness of area wide suppression on population levels of Formosan termites and impact of termite suppression on damages to structures in the test site.

Approach:
The French Quarter test area will be extended by one block on each side and include the area between Decatur St. and the river where termites are known to infest the railroad ties. Properties within the original 15 blocks will remain under contract for termite control. Properties within the expanded area will be placed under contract with a Pest Management Professional using only termiticides that kill termites. Property owners within the original and expanded areas will be informed of progress in the original 15 blocks and the need to bring their properties (expanded area) into the program. Independent monitors (in-ground and alate traps) will be installed in the expanded area and monitored monthly (in ground) each year and weekly (alate traps) each alate season. Similar monitors will be installed in a 15 block area outside of the treatment site. An independent termite expert will examine properties for signs of active termites. Damages will also be accessed with infared and acoustical technologies and comparison of cost of repair made from insurance claims.