Formosan Sub-terranean Termite Landscape Mulch Consumption Payton Floyed1, Edward Bush*2, and Qian Sun1 (1)LSU Department of Entomology and (2)LSU AgCenter, SPESS, Baton Rouge, LA Many landscapers utilize organic mulch substrates composed primarily of wood and bark, making it an ideal food source for the Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus). Formosan termites are one of the most destructive structural pests and recognized as one of the 100 worst invasive species in the world. While foraging, these termites can find and may be able to fully establish colonies in landscaping that uses mulch. The mulch type that attracts the most termites has not been widely investigated and continues to be an issue that needs to be determined. The objective of this research was to measure the biomass consumption by termites. Three C. formosanus colonies were used, two from New Orleans, Louisiana, and one from Gonzales, Louisiana. All were maintained in the laboratory using three total replications per experiment over a 14 d period. Five-hundred total termites (450 workers and 50 soldiers) were placed in each arena (7.5”x10”x4” plastic bin) which used a sand layered bottom for both worker and soldier termites. Each arena was covered with a dark plastic bag to mimic typical subterranean foraging conditions. Mulch particle size distribution and bulk density resulted in expected differences with crushed pine straw having the finest particle size (>50% particle size
