POPULATIONS OF FORMOSAN SUBTERRANEAN TERMITE, COPTOTERMES FORMOSANUS (ISOPTERA: RHINOTERMITIDAE), ESTABLISHED IN LIVING URBAN TREES IN NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, U. S. A.

Abstract:
Populations of Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, were characterized on a 141,645 m2 research facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. 32.7% of loblolly pines (Pinus taeda), 12.5% cedar (Juniperus sp.), 8.2% live oaks (Quercus virginiana), and 4.6% of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) contained Formosan subterranean termites. External signs of termite infestation in the trees, as determined by visual inspection, was rare compared with other sampling techniques. Occurrence of native subterranean termites, Reticulitermes sp. in living trees was also documented. Termite activity was shown in 5.6% of 500 ground monitor stakes a 6 month sampling period, 4.8% with C. formosanus and 0.8%. with Reticulitermes sp. Termites compromised the structural integrity of trees, some of which failed under stress. Termites in trees pose a threat to local building structures.