Effects of Temperature, Directional Aspects, Light Conditions, and Termite Species on Subterranean Termite Activity (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Abstract

Subterranean termite activity was investigated using field monitoring stations placed around 16 public schools in the triparish New Orleans metropolitan area of Louisiana. With the exception of one school, monitoring stations revealed the presence of Formosan subterranean termites. Native subterranean termites were found in six of the schools. The number of attacked monitoring stations varied significantly with light conditions at different directional aspects and termite species. For example, >50% of first-time attacked monitors by subterranean termites were at east with shade, north with shade, and south with shade placements. Formosan subterranean termites attacked a higher percentage of monitoring stations that were located in east with direct sun, east with shade, and north with direct sun. Native subterranean termites attacked a higher percentage of monitoring stations placed on south with direct sun, south with shade, and north with shade locations. Directional aspects at attacked monitoring stations by termites and corresponding average temperature at a depth of 10.2 cm from the foundation were not significantly correlated. Soil temperature readings 10.2 cm from the foundation did significantly affect seasonal foraging activity of subterranean termites.