Determining Seasonal Termite Damage Periods in Korean Wooden Cultural Heritage Buildings Based on Temperature-dependent Wood Consumption and Activity of Subterranean Termites

Abstract

The feeding activity of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus was investigated under different temperature conditions. Wood consumption and microwave signal intensity increased with temperature and were highest at 21 to 27 °C. Feeding activity decreased above 30 °C, and termite movement was also reduced at high temperatures. These changes may be related to thermal stress and reduced activity of hindgut symbiotic protozoa. Field temperature data collected from wooden cultural heritage buildings and surrounding soil environments showed that temperatures suitable for termite activity were maintained from spring to autumn in many regions of Korea. Seasonal temperature changes were also associated with the overwintering and reproductive characteristics of R. speratus. Based on these results, installation of chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI) bait systems in early spring may improve termite control before peak summer activity. The results of this study may be useful for termite monitoring and management of wooden cultural heritage buildings.