Download: 1999-11
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Infestation by the eastern
subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes
(Kollar), was found throughout the two ground
floors of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty
National Monument. Termite activity in soil was
also detected in two locations outside the
monument walls. In total, four clusters of termite
activity were identified. The widespread
infestation suggested that termites had been in
the monument for several years before they were
noticed in 1994 and were probably introduced
during the restoration project in the mid-1980s.
Baits containing an insect growth regulator,
hexaflumuron, were applied using above- and inground
stations in mid-1996. By October 1997,
all four infestations were eliminated after
consuming a total of 1.8 g hexaflumuron.
Monitoring stations remained in the soil to detect
residual or new populations of subterranean
termites on Liberty Island.