• Title/Summary/Keyword: Subterranean termite

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Study of the present situation on the termite control of wooden structures(I) - Focused on the case of US (목조건축물의 흰개미 방제에 대한 국외 현황조사(I) - 미국의 사례를 중심으로 -)

  • Jeong, So Young
    • 보존과학연구
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    • s.32
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    • pp.123-136
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    • 2011
  • There are more than 2,800 different species of termites in the world, but just there is one species (Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis Morimoto) in Korea. Once wooden structures are damaged by termites, we are applying chemical control methods such as fumigation, treatment of insecticidal and antiseptic chemicals, soil termiticide treatment, and termite colony elimination system to pest control. But in Korea, the termite infestation is gradually increasing, so it is essential to study on the present situation of termite control in US or Japan. Accordingly, in this part we have studied focusing on the case of US. In the US, there are three groups of termites : Subterranean, Drywood, Dampwood termites, and they caused more severe infestation compared with Korea. When a structure has become infested with termites, it is important that appropriate action must be taken: the chemical pest control (soil treatment, termite baiting, termite colony elimination), the modification and maintenance of buildings and the regular inspection for follow-up. And with consideration for different characteristics of termites, the process of pest control is made according to each species of termites. Most of the subterranean termite control is done by applying either termiticide to the soil or termite monitoring and baiting system around the structure. On the other hand, drywood termite control methods can be categorized as either the treatment for the whole structure or the treatment for localized area. Applications to the whole structure are done by fumigants or heat and the localized treatments are carried out with chemicals as well as heat, freezing, microwave and electricity.

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The Status of Damage and Monitoring of Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes spp.) (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) for Wooden Cultural Heritage in Korea (국내 목조문화재에 대한 지중 흰개미 피해 및 모니터링 현황)

  • Im, Ik-Gyun;Cha, Hyun-Seok;Kang, Won-Chul;Lee, Sang-Bin;Han, Gyu-Seong
    • Journal of Conservation Science
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    • v.37 no.3
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    • pp.191-208
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    • 2021
  • In this study, the status of damage by subterranean termites and their management according to the region and type of domestic wooden cultural properties were identified. This was based on the survey reports of agencies conducting regular nationwide and regional monitoring of subterranean termites. In addition, using geographical information system (GIS) based on the survey contents, a map was constructed of termite infestation and its progress on 2,805 wooden cultural properties that were surveyed nationwide. Based on the map produced, a total of 486 cases of termite infestation were confirmed in wooden cultural properties during 2018-2019, of which 143 cases (approximately 29.4%) were confirmed to be owing to the invasion of termites in the ground and infestation of wood materials. A web platform and an application using a mapping application program interface were created to increase accessibility to the investigated damage status data. The methods employed by each institution for investigating and monitoring the invasion of termites in the ground included the use of detection dogs, visual observation, installation of wood specimens made of pine, and microwave equipment. However, it was confirmed that monitoring and survey methods were not applied to determine the territorial range of the subterranean termite colonies. Accordingly, the use of dyeing and mark-release-recapture methods were deemed necessary to understand the current status, such as calculating the scope of the target wooden cultural property, when monitoring subterranean termite colonies.

A Simulation Model for the Study of the Territorial Behavior of Subterranean Termites (흰개미 테리토리행동 연구를 위한 시뮬레이션 모델)

  • Jeon, Won-Ju;Lee, Sang-Hee
    • Journal of the Korea Society for Simulation
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    • v.21 no.2
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    • pp.1-9
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    • 2012
  • Subterranean termites forage by constructing tunnel networks in soil and encounter food resources during tunnel excavation. Some species of termites can travel up to 150 m underground. They often travel to the surface to find wood cellulose to feed their colony, which in turn causes extensive damage to wooden architecture, such as timber-frame houses. This type of damage has been constantly increasing along with global warming because higher temperatures provide an ecological niche for termites. The damage is closely related to termite territory size and distribution. Recently, as a way to research termite control, the necessity of a mathematical model to simulate termite territory formation in relation to damage has increased. So far, however, few studies have been conducted on the development of a model because it is difficult to quantify or characterize the relationship between territorial behavior and field conditions including complicated environmental factors. In the present study, we suggest a simulation model of the territoriality of the Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus (Shiraki), and Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), based on empirical data. The model consists of 2 procedures. One describes tunnel network growth for each colony, and the other represents territoriality based on tunnel-tunnel interactions between different colonies. Using the model, we show changes in territorial competition according to the termination probability of tunnel growth.

A History of Termite Control and Improvements to Prevent Termites in Wooden Architectural Heritage (국내외 흰개미 방제 기술의 발달 과정과 목조건축문화재의 흰개미 피해 저감을 위한 방안)

  • LEE, Sangbin;IM, Ikgyun;KIM, Sihyun
    • Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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    • v.54 no.2
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    • pp.194-215
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    • 2021
  • Termites are important decomposers in the ecosystem. They are also economically significant structural pests. In this study, we reviewed the developments of termite control and recent research on termite management to provide information on the prevention and control of termites. In Korea, most of the damage to wooden historical buildings is caused by subterranean termites. Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis is the main species, which is widely found throughout the country. In the early 1900s, inorganic insecticides, such as arsenic dust, were used for termite control. After the synthesis of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide in the 1940s, it was widely utilized and demonstrated high termite control efficacy. However, chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides were later banned, disappearing from markets after reports emerged concerning environmental contamination and toxicity to humans. Therefore, the termite control industry sought a new termiticide; hence many pesticides were utilized for termite control. Organophosphate (1960s), carbamate (1970s), pyrethroid, and insect growth inhibitor (1980s) were newly synthesized and adopted. In the 1990s, the first commercial baits using chitin synthesis inhibitors (CSI) were developed, providing a means to eliminate an entire colony of subterranean termites around a structure. Many studies have been carried out on soil termiticides (liquid termiticides) and CSI baits to increase their efficacy, and different baits such as aboveground bait stations, fluid bait, and high-durability bait were also developed in the 2000s. In addition, the paradigm of termite control has shifted from localized treatments using soil termiticides to area-wide pest management using CSI baits to create termite-free zones and protect buildings over time. Termite infestations in wooden historical buildings in Korea have been reported since 1980, and considerable attention was drawn in the 1990s when several UNESCO world heritages such as the Jongmyo Shrine and the Janggyeong Panjeon Depositories of Haeinsa Temple were infested by subterranean termites. Since then, a survey of termite infestation in wooden architectural heritage has been conducted, and the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Heritage Care Program regularly monitors those properties. Finally, we suggest termite management using primarily CSI baits, selective application of various soil treatments applied to the object, foundation soil treatment, research and development of durable termite baits, application of area-wide programs for wooden-building complexes, application of integrated termite management (ITM), and regular education for owners and managers to prevent and reduce termite damage.

Laboratory Evaluation of the Marking Effect of Sudan Red 7B on Subterranean Termites (Reticulitermes speratus) in Republic of Korea

  • IM, Ik-Gyun;HAN, Gyu-Seong
    • Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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    • v.48 no.5
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    • pp.745-754
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    • 2020
  • The dye marker Sudan Red 7B was tested as an effective and appropriate marking method for searching the territory of the termite, Reticulitermes speratus, in Korea. The sensitivity of termites to the dye marker was evaluated by measuring the feed consumption amount, survival rate, retention time, and transfer efficiency of R. speratus according to the concentration and feeding period of Sudan Red 7B. As the concentration conditions of dye marker increase, Sudan Red 7B remarkably reduced the feed consumption of the termites. The survival rate was not significantly different from that of the control group (more than 90%), except when feed containing 1% or 2% concentrations of the dye marker was given for five days. The duration of the marking effect persisted for seven days, even at a concentration of 2% dye marker in the feed. No dye transfer by trophallaxis occurred between termites marked with Sudan Red 7B and unmarked termites.

Ingestion Toxicity of Fipronil on Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) and Its Applicability as A Termite Bait

  • Kim, Si Hyun;Chung, Yong Jae
    • Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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    • v.45 no.2
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    • pp.159-167
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    • 2017
  • Historical wooden buildings in Korea are being damaged by Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis Morimoto, a type of subterranean termite, and the scale of this damage is increasing gradually because of global warming. This study evaluated the ingestion toxicity of the phenylpyrazole insecticide fipronil to R. s. kyushuensis and its applicability as termite bait with the aim of controlling termite colonies more efficiently. An ingestion toxicity assessment was conducted and the $LT_{50}$ was determined to be 4.43 day at concentrations of 10 ppm, indicating a slow-acting effect; therefore, 10 ppm was selected as an appropriate dose. A field applicability assessment was conducted in which the number of foraging workers and the rate at which the termites fed decreased 2 weeks after baiting, and termite colony activity was no longer apparent after 4 weeks demonstrating the efficacy of fipronil at eliminating colonies. Taken together, these results, indicate that low-dose fipronil eliminated R. s. kyushuensis colonies faster than insect growth regulators; therefore, it is expected to be useful when trying to conserve historical wooden buildings.

Termite Resistance of Impregnated Jabon Wood (Anthocephalus Cadamba Miq.) with Combined Impregnant Agents

  • Arsyad, Wa Ode Muliastuty;Basri, Efrida;Hendra, Djeni;Trisatya, Deazy Rachmi
    • Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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    • v.47 no.4
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    • pp.451-458
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    • 2019
  • Jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq.) is a fast-growing species that exhibits a lower natural resistance than that exhibited by the timber sourced from natural forests. Jabon's resistance to termite attack can be improved by impregnating its wood structure with poisonous organic materials. This study examined jabon's resistance to termite attack when impregnated with wood vinegar and an animal adhesive. The wood specimens were impregnated using sengon wood vinegar and an animal adhesive (8% and 10%, respectively) using a vacuum pressure machine. The specimens were tested for their resistance to subterranean and dry-wood termites according to Indonesian National Standard (SNI 7207-2014). The results denoted that jabon impregnated with wood vinegar and an animal adhesive concentration of at least 8% with the addition of 4% borate was effective to resist termite attacks. The impregnated jabon exhibited a lower weight loss and higher termite mortality when compared with those exhibited by the control specimens. Thus, the resistance class improved from class IV to class I.

Termite Resistance of The Less Known Tropical Woods Species Grown in West Java, Indonesia

  • Febrianto, Fauzi;Pranata, Andi Zaim;Septiana, Dea;Arinana, Arinana;Gumilang, Adiyantara;Hidayat, Wahyu;Jang, Jae-Hyuk;Lee, Seung-Hwan;Hwang, Won-Joung;Kim, Nam-Hun
    • Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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    • v.43 no.2
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    • pp.248-257
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    • 2015
  • This research focused on the natural durability of twenty one lesser known tropical wood species planted in West Java, Indonesia against subterranean termite (Coptotermes curvignathus). It was observed that both heartwood and sapwood of Kiara payung (Filicium decipiens); heartwoods of Nangka (Arthocarpus heterophyllus), Mahoni (Swietenia macrophylla) and Simpur (Dillenia grandifolia); and sapwood of Bungur (Lagerstroemia speciosa) were rated as resistant (natural durability class II) according to Indonesian standard SNI 01.7207.2006 (BSN 2006). Both heartwood and sapwood of Salam (Syzigium polyanthum), Pasang (Lithocarpus sundaicus), Bisbul (Diospyros discolor), Rukam (Flacourtia rukam) and Trembesi (Samanea saman); heartwood of Puspa (Schima walichii), Bungur, Tanjung (Mimusops elangi) and Angsana (Pterocarpus indicus) were rated as moderately resistant (natural durability class III). Both heartwood and sapwood of Sungkai (Peronema canescens), Pine (Pinus merkusii), Mangium (Acacia mangium) and Afrika (Maesopsis eminii); sapwoods of Mahoni, Puspa and Tanjung were rated as poorly resistant (natural durability class IV). Both heartwood and sapwood of Agathis (Agathis dammara), Durian (Durio zibethinus), Ki sampang (Evodia latifolia) and Jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba); sapwoods of Nangka and Angsana were rated as very poorly resistant (natural durability class V). This reserach showed that woods with lower resistance against C. curvignathus attack (natural durability class IV and V) tend to have lower termite mortality values compared to woods with higher resistance against C. curvignathus attack (natural durability class II and III). Results of the study will provide some valuable information on termite resistance of twenty one lesser known tropical wood species planted in Indonesia.

Resistance of Polystyrene-Impregnated Glued Laminated Lumbers after Exposure to Subterranean Termites in a Field

  • Dede HERMAWAN;Mahdi MUBAROK;Imam Busyra ABDILLAH;Yusuf Sudo HADI;Cossey YOSI;Aujchariya CHOTIKHUN;Rohmah PARI;Gustan PARI
    • Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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    • v.52 no.1
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    • pp.70-86
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    • 2024
  • Termites are a serious threat to wood-based products in Indonesia. This study investigated the termite resistant property of glulam made from polystyrene-modified wood. Three tropical fast-growing wood species, namely mangium (Acacia mangium), manii (Maesopsis eminii), and rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis), were prepared for flat-sawn laminae. After getting air-dried condition, the laminae were impregnated with polystyrene using potassium peroxydisulphate as a catalyst followed by polymerization at 80℃. Polystyrene-impregnated and control glued-laminated lumbers (glulams) were manufactured, and solid wood was provided. Three wood species and three wood products with six replicates were exposed in a field in Bogor, Indonesia, for four months, and before the tests, their density and moisture content were measured. At the end of the field tests, the weight loss and protection levels of each test sample were determined. A completely randomized factorial design was used for data analysis. The weight percentage gains for mangium, manii, and rubberwood were 22.30%, 18.22%, and 10.44%, respectively. The results showed that manii belonged to low-density wood, whereas the other two woods were medium-density wood, and the moisture content was the ambient moisture content, typical of the Bogor area. Regarding weight loss and protection level, mangium was the most durable against subterranean termite attacks, followed by rubberwood and manii. Among the wood products, the polystyrene-impregnated glulam presented the highest durability, followed by the control glulam and solid wood. Therefore, mangium and rubberwood polystyrene-impregnated glulams are recommended for future product development.

Applicability of Carbon Dioxide as an Attractant for Termites in Republic of Korea (한국 서식 흰개미의 유인물질로서 이산화탄소(CO2)의 적용 가능성)

  • Tae Heon Kim;Man Hee Lee;Hyun Ju Lee;Yong Jae Chung
    • Korean journal of applied entomology
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    • v.62 no.3
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    • pp.171-182
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    • 2023
  • In the Republic of Korea, many of the wooden architectural heritage are located in forests and, therefore, are vulnerable to termite damage. In Korea, the predominant approach to termite control involves chemical control methods using termiticides. The rapid attraction of termites to termiticides is essential to shorten the control period. The current study investigated the attraction of Korean termites to carbon dioxide and the appropriate concentration of carbon dioxide required for effective attraction by conducting a basic experiment on the attracting effect in the underground environment. The results showed that carbon dioxide is effective for attracting termites, and an effective concentration range of 10% or less was selected. Additionally, this study established the potential and applicability of carbon dioxide as an attractant in the control of subterranean termites. Future studies should aim at conducting field studies on the application of carbon dioxide to improve the termite control effect, particularly in preserving wooden architectural heritage.