• Title/Summary/Keyword: Termites

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Bacterial Diversity in Soil Surround Subterranean Termites-Damaged Wooden Buildings in Seonamsa Temple and Effect of the Termites on Bacterial Diversity in Humus Soil

  • Kim, Young Hee;Lim, Boa;Lee, Jeung Min;Hong, Jin Young;Kim, Soo Ji;Park, Ji Hee
    • Journal of Conservation Science
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    • v.37 no.4
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    • pp.357-361
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    • 2021
  • In order to determine the changes in microbial community due to termites, soil microorganisms surrounding the termites were investigated. First, bacterial communities from soil with termites collected at Seonamsa temple, Suncheon city, Korea were compared by next-generation sequencing (NGS, Illumina Miseq). The bacterial composition of soil from Daeungjeon without termites and the soil from Josadang, Palsangjeon, and Samjeon with termites were compared. Next, the bacterial composition of these soils was also compared with that of humus soil cultured with termites. A total high-quality sequences of 71,942 and 72,429 reads were identified in Seonamsa temple's soil and humus soil, respectively. The dominant phyla in the collected Seonamsa temple's soil were Proteobacteria (27%), Firmicutes (24%) and Actinobacteria (21%), whereas those in the humus soil were Bacteriodetes (56%) and Proteobacteria (37%). Using a two-dimensional plot to explain the principal coordinate analysis of operational taxonomic unit compositions of the soil samples, it was confirmed that the samples were divided into soil with and without termites, and it was especially confirmed that the Proteobacteria phylum was increased in humus soil with termites than in humus soil without termites.

Study on the investigating termite damages of wooden structure using detector dog (탐지견을 활용한 목조건축물의 흰개미피해 조사 연구)

  • Jeong, So-Young
    • 보존과학연구
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    • s.31
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    • pp.121-130
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    • 2010
  • Wooden structures in Korea are usually damaged by some insects such as termites, wasps, cigarette beetles, powder-post beetles. Especially, the termites inhabiting in Korea are the subterranean termites, Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis Morimoto, that make colonies in underground, therefore it is difficult to predict and control substantial infestations in advance. Accordingly, to enable inspectors to locate the termite infestations before the extensive damage occurs, the pest management industry has begun using several elaborate tools and making the various effect to inspect areas hard to access through a visual inspection. Recently detector dogs were adopted as one of those tools. Detector dogs are useful for locating subterranean termites because they use their acute olfaction rather than vision. We also have used detector dogs to locate termites and investigated 270 buildings from 31 sites since 2007. According to the results, while 144 buildings (53.4%) were in good condition with no damage by termites, 80 buildings (29.6%) were found out to be damaged by termites through visual inspection and detector dog. So it is expected to control termites according to the conservation status if detector dogs are well trained to discriminate live termites from fecal pellets by termites.

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Quantitative Analysis for Termites Damage of Wooden Heritage using Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (초음파 전파속도법을 이용한 목조 문화유산 흰개미 피해의 정량 평가)

  • Ahn, Jae-Cheol
    • Journal of architectural history
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    • v.24 no.5
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    • pp.41-48
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    • 2015
  • Quantitative analysis of termites damage is important in terms of conservation and maintenance of wooden cultural heritage buildings, because termites makes cavities and decreases the section area of wooden structural members. The purpose of this study is to forecast the range and spread of termites damage in the wooden structural members by using ultrasonic pulse velocity method. Ultrasonic pulse velocity has been used as one of non-destructive test to analysis the internal defect by using difference velocity between medium material and cavity. This method would be effective to analysis termites damages. From the result of the ultrasonic velocity test, the loss rate of area effected by termites damage had a strong correlation with ultrasonic velocity. And it is possible to predict the loss rate of area from by termites damage by using regression equation in the case of structural member of fine tree.

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.

Changes in Chemical Property of Soil Affected by Termites (Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis Morimoto) in Korea (국내 흰개미(Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis Morimoto)에 의한 토양의 화학적 특성 변화)

  • Seong, Se Ha;Kim, Keun Ki;Hong, Chang Oh;Park, Hyean Cheal
    • Journal of Environmental Science International
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    • v.26 no.6
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    • pp.789-795
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    • 2017
  • Termites (Isoptera) are classified into approximately 3,106 species. In Korea, only one species has been identified, which is Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis Morimoto. The termite, a social insect, is known to play an important role in nutrient cycling of the ecosystem, although some species of termites are well-known pests attacking wooden structures or any plant materials. However, there is a lack of research about termites in Korea, including aspects such the taxonomy, physiology, and ecology of termites. This study was carried out to provide valuable basic data on the ecological role of termites in an ecosystem in Korea for the future studies. For the experiments, soil and termite samples were randomly collected from Mt. Hwajang located in Jikdong-ri, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Korea between October 5 and 30, 2015. Analysis results showed that there were no significant differences in soil chemical properties between the soil samples just after air-drying and one year elapsed without any treatment. The treated soil with termites showed significantly higher than the soil without termite treatment. Chemical properties of total nitrogen, organic matter, available phosphate, pH, Calcium(Ca), Potassium(K) and Magnesium(Mg) in soil treated with termites were $1.11{\pm}0.3gkg^{-1}$, $43.3{\pm}12.4gkg^{-1}$, $27.4{\pm}2.9mgkg^{-1}$, $4.56{\pm}0.2$, $0.82{\pm}0.2cmol_ckg^{-1}$, $3.18{\pm}1.4cmol_ckg^{-1}$, $1.73{\pm}1.1cmol_ckg^{-1}$, respectively. The values of soil property of without termite treatment were $0.56{\pm}0.1gkg^{-1}$, $30.5{\pm}3.1gkg^{-1}$, $24.0{\pm}4.7 mgkg^{-1}$, $4.09{\pm}0.1$, $0.71{\pm}0.2cmol_ckg^{-1}$, $2.88{\pm}1.5cmol_ckg^{-1}$, $1.30{\pm}0.7cmol_ckg^{-1}$, respectively. These results suggest that inhabitation of termites could improve soil chemical properties in an ecosystem.

Morphological Description of Reticulitermes speratus kyushuenesis Morimoto (Isoptera : Rhinotermitidae) in Southern Part of Korea (남부지방에 분포하는 흰개미인 Reticulitermes speratus kyushuenesis Morimoto (Isoptera : Rhinotermitidae)의 형태적 기재)

  • 박현철;배태웅
    • The Korean Journal of Soil Zoology
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    • v.2 no.1
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    • pp.59-64
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    • 1997
  • A study was carried out to investigate the distribution of termites at the southern part of Korea between 1995 and 1996. During the survey, termite samples were collected from the randomly selected areas. Most of thern were collected from the decayed woods in dead trees (usually in pine trees), but some were also collected from woodern walls, floors in houses, or in matured bed logs at the mushroom cultivating areas. Damage by this termite species were also observed by Kim and Hwang (1996) who investigated the insect pests of mushroom in the southern part of Korea. To control the termites, it is urgent to identify them and to conduct ecological study of termites. Thus, we firstly identified termites which were collected from the sampling areas including houses and mushrooms cultivating fields. All termite samples were identified as Reticulitermes speratus. However, there were several morphological differences among them according to the collected areas, and the samples were reexamined, identified and divided into subspecies as R. speratus kyushuensis.

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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.

Study of Minimum Passage Size of Subterranean Termites (Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis) (국내 흰개미(Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis)의 최소 통과 직경 연구)

  • Kim, Sihyun;Lee, Sangbin;Lim, Ikgyun
    • Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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    • v.53 no.4
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    • pp.188-197
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    • 2020
  • Termites play an important role as decomposers of the forest ecosystem, while simultaneously causing enormous damage to wooden structures. Currently, two species of subterranean termites have been reported in Korea, and termite damage to historical wooden buildings is occurring nationwide due to climate change, forest fertility, and the locational characteristics of historical wooden buildings. Subterranean termites make their nests underground or inside timber. Termites move underground and access wooden structures through the lower parts of the buildings, adjacent to the ground. Once termites attack the wooden structures, it not only spoils the authenticity of cultural heritage structure, but also hampers structural stability due to the decrease in the strength of the material. Therefore, it is important to prevent termite damage before it occurs. Chemical treatments are mainly used in Korea to control and prevent the damage. In foreign countries, physical barriers are also used to prevent entry to wooden buildings, along with chemical treatments. Physical barriers involve installing nets or particles that termites cannot pass through in the lower part of the building, around the pipes, and between the edges of the building or exterior walls and interior materials. Advantages of a physical barrier are that it is an eco-friendly method, maintains long-term effect after installation, and does not require the use of chemical treatments. Prior to applying physical barriers, studies into the characteristics of termite species must be undertaken. In this study, we evaluated the minimum passage size that each caste of Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis can move through. We found that workers, soldiers, and secondary reproductive termites were able to pass through diameters of 0.7mm, 0.9mm, and 1.1mm respectively. Head height of termites was an important factor in determining the minimum passing size. Results from the current study will be used as a basis to design the mesh size for physical barriers to prevent damage by termites in historical wooden buildings in Korea.

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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Monitoring of Termite in Haeinsa Temple and Control method (해인사의 흰개미 모니터링 및 방제 방안)

  • Jeong, So-Young;Lee, Kyu-Shik;Chung, Yong-Jae
    • 보존과학연구
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    • s.23
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    • pp.77-93
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    • 2002
  • There are several methods of pest control for the prevention of wooden cultural properties from damages caused by insects, especially termites. Those are as follows; physical control, chemical control, biological control, and integrated pest management. In Korea, we primarily use mvestigation of monitoring, fumigation, treatment of insecticidal and antiseptic chemicals, soil termiticide treatment, and termite colony elimination system. As damages by termites were detected at Eunghyanggak and Saundang of Haeinsa temple in June, 1998, we carried out monitoring with wooden device, in order to investigate damages of wooden building by termite and paths of termite invasion. According to the result of investigation of monitoring from1999 to 2002, we found that termites were inhabiting continually at forests around Haeinsa and that wooden buildings such as Saundang, Cheonghwadang were damaged by termites. So we thought that control methods such as soil termiticide treatment and termite colony elimination system would be effective. Especially, to investigate efficacy of termite colony elimination system, we carried out efficacy test of termite colony elimination system in Jongmyo during 17 months(2000.7.~2001.11.). The result of efficacy test showed that termite colony elimination system eliminated termite colonies gradually(over 12 months from installation of colony elimination system to elimination of termite colony).

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