Author
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Osbrink, Weste |
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Cornelius, Mary |
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Submitted to: Sociobiology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 1/2/2013 Publication Date: 2/14/2013 Citation: Osbrink, W.L., Cornelius, M.L. 2013. Utility of acoustical detection of Coptotermes Formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Sociobiology. 60(1):69-76. Interpretive Summary: Two devices, the AED2000, and the updated AED2010 have been shown to use extremely sensitive acoustical technology to listen to hidden termites in wood. It is necessary to insert a wave guide (e.g. bolt) into the structural lumber (e.g. 2x4) to which the detector portion of the device is attached. These devices can be used not only to detect the presence or absence of termites, but also to quantify the level of infestation. Thus these devices have value in detecting termites before extensive structural damage occurs as well as providing a mechanism to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. Loud environmental noises can interfere with acoustical detection of termites Technical Abstract: The AED 2000 and 2010 are extremely sensitive listening devices which can effectively detect and monitor termite activity through a wave guide (e.g. bolt) both qualitatively and quantitatively. Experiments conducted with one to ten thousand termites from differing colonies infesting wood in buckets demonstrated that acoustical emission detector readings significantly increased when number of termites increased. Termites were also detected in infested trees with the installation of several wave guides into their trunk. These devices can detect termites and changes in termite activity caused by changes in termite numbers, making it an effective pest management professional and research tool for finding and evaluating termite infestations and treatments in specific locations |
