Anita L. Smith, anita.smith@okstate.edu, Matthew P Smith, matthew.smith@okstate.edu, and Brad Kard, kard@okstate.edu. Oklahoma State University, Entomology and Plant Pathology, 127 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK
The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, is an exotic structural pest that is steadily spreading in the United States, causing extensive damage to wooden structures and products. Since its introduction into the U. S. around 1957, it has been reported as far north as Denton County, Texas, 21 miles south of the Red River, along the Oklahoma-Texas border. The potential economic impact of this termite to Oklahoma home and business owners, and the forest products industry, necessitated initiation of a statewide surveillance program in 2005.
Monitoring devices consisting of soil-surface ground boards, in-ground detection stations, and elevated light traps are currently installed throughout southern Oklahoma. County extension agents and pest management professionals are cooperating in this effort. Additionally, inspections of landscaping timbers and railroad crossties are being conducted at commercial outlets because these imported products may contain Formosan termites.
The survey has expanded the known distribution of several Reticulitermes sp. as well as Gnathamitermes tubiformans. However, to date, C. formosanus has not been found although its eventual spread into Oklahoma is anticipated.
Species 1: Isoptera Rhinotermitidae
Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termite)
Species 2: Isoptera Rhinotermitidae
ReticulitermesSpecies 3: Isoptera Termitidae
Gnathamitermes tubiformans