Project Number: 6435-32000-011-16
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Aug 01, 2007
End Date: May 31, 2012

Objective:
Goals are to establish and coordinate an inspection and treatment program using available technology (infrared (IR), microwave, sound) for detection and commercial bait systems for control of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (FST) in the French Quarter properties included in Operation Full Stop and in selected City of New Orleans buildings; determine the extent of the FST infestation in the State of Louisiana to increase knowledge of FST biology and bionomics, threat to local communities, spacial distribution, and population genetics. The specific objectives of this project are: 1) locate and treat above-ground FST infestations in structures and infestations in trees; coordinate treatment by Pest Control Professionals; and determine success of treatment with follow-up inspections; 2) provide an evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment with termiticides by examining selected properties after treatment for the continuing presence of termites or signs of their activity not readily visible to a trained observer; 3) provide the public information about subterranean termite distribution, control methods, and preventative measures; and 4) continue termite surveillance and treatments as necessary along the river levee, railroad tracks, and other open spaces in and around the French Quarter and maintain and archive specimen collections for Operation Full Stop.

Approach:
Objective 1: Consult with ARS and ARS¿ cooperator, the LSU Agricultural Center, to select properties from the French Quarter. Primary emphasis for selection of properties, green space, and trees for inspections will be their proximity to active traps, alate and in-ground stations, complaints from property owners and proposals submitted by Pest Management Professionals that recommend spot or directed treatment (especially floors above ground level). These properties will be examined both internally and externally with IR thermography and other detection technologies as determined by NOMTCB to confirm the presence or absence of termites or their activity. Inspect trees on public property and treat them with commercially available bait systems when termites are found. Objective 2: Consult with ARS and ARS¿ Cooperator, the LSU Agricultural Center to examine a sufficient number of properties for statistical analysis that are selected from all properties included in Operation Full Stop. Selected properties may be from inside and outside of the treatment zones and may include properties with continuing infestations or properties with no detectable termite active after treatment with an approved termiticide. Selected properties will be examined both internally and externally with IR thermography and other detection technologies as determined by New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control Board (NOMTCB) to confirm the presence or absence of termites or their activity. Objective 3: Determine the extent of the range of FST throughout Louisiana by means of light traps for alates and through survey of licenced Pest Management Professionals and Mosquito Abatement Districts. Provide instruction for FST identification and treatment to members of the Louisiana Pest Management Professional Industry and abatement district personnel. Instruction and materials provided are sanctioned by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry as part of re-certification for licensees and registered technicians. Objective 4: Continue monitoring in open spaces (railroad, levee, parks and pavilions) in the French Quarter with in-ground stations and alate traps and when termites are found, a commercial bait system is used to control termites. Archive and collate samples of termites collected in the French Quarter and maintain a data base (File Maker Pro) of collected termite samples which are used for microsatellite analysis of DNA for determination of colony relationship and success of treatment.