Effects of flooding on field populations of Formosan subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in New Orleans, Louisiana

Hurricane Katrina (2005) resulted in extensive flooding in the city of New Orleans, LA. Periodic sampling of monitors before the flood, and of different monitors in the same areas after the flood, was used to evaluate the effects of long-term flooding on populations of Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Monitors were located adjacent to buildings and in urban forests. Significant population reductions occurred in areas that flooded 2-3 wk with brackish water, with termite populations associated with pine (Pinus spp.) trees and buildings slower to recover than populations associated with oak trees. Alate production in flooded areas showed no reduction from previous years.