PREDICTION of SPRING SUBTERRANEAN TERMITE SWARMS in TEXAS with RELATION to TEMPERATURE and PRECIPITATION

Abstract:
We investigated predictive correlations between temperature, precipitation, and springtime subterranean termite swarming in nine Texas cities. Heat units were calculated from December 21 through the date of the initial spring swarms during 1994-1999. Analysis of the heat unit data showed that none of the 54 initial spring swarm events occurred before a minimum of 602 heat units had accumulated, which constituted the minimum heat unit threshold. Analysis of precipitation data indicated a significant correlation between the occurrence of a rainfall event immediately preceding the initial swarm dates. Approximately 90% of the termite swarms occurred within three days of the initial rainfall event following accumulation of at least 602 heat units, irrespective of the amount of that precipitation.