Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner    -    Anderson H. (Andy) Rackley, Director
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(Nasutitermes costalis) Eradication Effort

Overview

An introduced species of termite, Nasutitermes costalis, has been discovered in Broward County.  This termite feeds on wood and wood products and will consume structural elements of buildings and other wood in service.  The termite's foraging range and flight behavior indicate the pest has been incubating in the Dania Beach area for at least 8 years. The tropical termite species eventually could spread as far north as Orlando and Tampa. The natural spread would require decades, but human activity can spread the pest much more rapidly.

Formosan and other subterranean termites build their nests underground, but the new termite builds free-standing nests on the ground or in trees. Dark brown foraging tubes radiate from the nests to feeding sites, including buildings, other wood structures and trees. Soldier termites lack mandibles and secrete a turpentine‑like chemical to ward off ant predators.

Six structures and two boats in the area have already been invaded and control measures have been necessary.  Because of the above ground foraging behavior of this species, conventional subterranean termite protection strategies are not effective.  These strategies rely on creating a zone of treated soil around structures that either repel or kill termites that forage through them.  The tree termite avoids these treated areas by foraging over them.   Bait products used to control subterranean termites are also not effective.

In order to prevent this termite from becoming an economic pest and causing significant damage to homes and other property in South Florida, Commissioner Bronson has directed the Department to work with several local and state organizations to conduct research and control activities in the current area of infestation.  These activities will include:

  • research on biology and control of Nasutitermes costalis

  • surveillance of known area and adjacent areas for presence of the termite
  • identification of nests in area of surveillance
  • application of an appropriate insecticide to eradicate identified nests and foraging areas
  • identification of structures infested with the termite, and recommendation of control activities in these structures.
  • development of public outreach materials to educate public in the affected area
In order to coordinate affected state and local agencies, and to provide for dissemination of accurate information to the public on the research and control activities of this effort, Commissioner Bronson requested that the organizations working on this effort form the Tree Termite Eradication Task Force.  It consists of representatives of the Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, and the Broward County Cooperative Extension Service, and the Certified Pest Control Operators of Florida and the Florida Pest Management Association.   This Task Force has had several meetings and is moving toward an eradication effort to take place in April 2003.

The eradication effort will be a cooperative effort between the organizations.  The pest control associations, Florida Pest Management Association and the Certified Pest Control Operators of  Florida have volunteered personnel, equipment, and materials to conduct the eradication.  The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is providing oversight, legal authority, and supervision.  IFAS is providing technical assistance and outreach assistance.

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