Homeowners in South Louisiana and elsewhere in the Gulf South who are rebuilding after last year’s hurricanes have opportunities to add more termite protection to their homes, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

Cleaning up wood debris after a hurricane or other severe windstorm can spread one of Louisiana’s most destructive pests – the Formosan subterranean termite.

It’s the time of the year when Formosan subterranean termites swarm and spread their colonies. Humans help termites travel great distances when they move infested railroad ties, utility poles, lumber, landscaping timbers, potted plants, shipping crates, pallets, mobile homes, paper and other cellulose products.

Things to consider when constructing or renovating a home to protect your house from termites.

The 3-dimensional structure of tetrahydronootkatone and nootkatone was determined. A description of our methods and results are provided.

This article describes a stainless steel mesh that may be used as a barrier preventing termites from entering structures around specific routes of entry .

Provides additional links for information on termites.

One important key for successful management of a pest is to identify it. This publication can help you differentiate between ants and the dry-wood and subterranean termites that are pests in Louisiana. It also contains specific information on Formosan subterranean termites.

Help discover locations where the Formosan subterranean termite is not known to exist.

Considerations on integrated pest management of termites and other wood attacking organism are presented in depth.

Learn how to inspect and treat your home for Formosan subterranean termites.

Efforts are under way to prevent the spread of Formosan subterranean termites in mulch from New Orleans and Louisiana following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. It is true that there is a lot of cellulose debris (wood, paper and their products) in Louisiana following these two hurricanes.

The commissioner of agriculture in Louisiana imposed a quarantine for the Formosan subterranean termite on October 3, 2005, in Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes. The Formosan subterranean termite is the most destructive insect in Louisiana.

Owners of South Louisiana property affected by last year’s hurricanes may need to evaluate the termite protection for their homes and other buildings but won’t necessarily need to treat again, according to an entomologist with the LSU AgCenter.

Termites can’t hold their breath forever, although they have a capacity to live under water for a significant amount of time, according to a world-renowned termite expert. That means termites in areas flooded by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina may not be as prevalent as they have been for a while – offering a small grain of good news among the massive destruction.

Pier and beams construction can make temite tubes visible if good contruction techniques are followed

Termites can not eat through solid concrete. In order to enter a structure they must come up around the outside edges or enter through some other opening in the slab. Traditional termite treatments require the application of a continuous chemical barrier to the soil around all possible entry points.

Information card on tackling termite problems when beginning a renovation project

Information card on places to look for Formosan subterranean termite Infestations

Information card on where to look for termites in trees

Formosan and subterranean termite biology, ecology and behavior are compared and contrasted.

There are two majors types of termites in Louisiana: Subterranean and drywood. The subterranean termites are divided into two subgroups: The native subterranean termites and the Formosan subterranean termite. Determining the type of termite is important for management.

Formosan subterranean termites are more aggressive and cause more damage than native subterranean termite species because of special biological attributes.

Detecting termites in trees can be helped by a few tips on where to look.

Identifying to species, recognizing problems and having a sound knowledge of control techniques can help in solving a termite problem.

Report and send in samples of Formosan subterranean termites to help determine its range and help prevent its spread.

Native subterranean termites are found throughout Louisiana and are a natural part of the environment in Louisiana. Formosan subterranean termites, native to East Asia, arrived in the United States after World War II and were established in New Orleans by 1966.

Landscaping practices may increase the risk of subterranean termites attacking a structure and of spreading Formosan subterranean termites. Information is presented on the types of woody plants that termites attack and methods of inspection.

Landscaping practices may increase the risk of subterranean termites attacking a structure and of spreading formosan subterranean termites. Concepts on reducing the risks of moving and reporting Formosan subterranean termites are presented.

Is Retreating for Termites Necessary? Also find information on preventing formosan subterranean termites from spreading, disposing of termite infested wood and debris, transporting mulch and other wood debris, inspecting and retreating, signs of infestation and differences between termites and ants.

Most people are aware of the damage fire and severe weather can do to their homes, but many overlook the threat of termites. Photos of termite damage and signs of termite infestation are included in this publication, which covers Formosan subterranean termites and other subterranean termites.

There are about 2,500 species of termites worldwide. Although only about 2% are frequent invaders of wood structures used by humans, termites must be managed because they can and will cause great damage. This publication includes information on how to manage them. Only available in pdf format.

A scourge of New Orleans and South Louisiana could find its way to other parts of the state and country if people move wood that’s infested with Formosan subterranean termites.

The Formosan termite is a devastating pest that consumes wooden structures and woody plants and causes hundreds of millions of dollars of damage each year. The LSU AgCenter is making progress slowing its spread in the New Orleans' French Quarter, despite the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita did not interfere with the LSU AgCenter’s efforts to control Formosan termites in New Orleans. Known as the French Quarter Program, the federally funded pilot test began in 1998.

The Formosan subterranean termite was spread to Louisiana around the end of World War II. Described as the most important structural pestof the new millennium, the Formosan subterranean termite is now considered the most destructive insect in Louisiana.This publication includes information on how to decrease the spread of Formosan subterranean termites.

LSU AgCenter faculty members are working on plans to put the Formosan subterranean termite research project in New Orleans’ French Quarter back on track after the recent hurricanes.