National Formosan Subterranean Termite Program

New Orleans is "ground zero" for a national campaign against the Formosan subterranean termite, an exotic species that now infests 11 states.

The campaign includes the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service, the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, and the New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control Board. The Audubon Institute fills an important educational role.

The goal is to reduce the Formosan termite's numbers and colonies. Along with that should come a marked reduction in the $1 billion per year cost in property damage, repairs and control measures.

In May 2001, an international symposium was held in New Orleans to report on the project's findings and progress. Approximately 300 scientists and pest management professionals attended.