Comment from Gregg Henderson

I prefer the alternative stategy to the do nothing strategy, not so much because of a need to include biological control agents but because one plant pest is being readily transported by infested potted plants and should be regulated. The Formosan subterranean termite readily moves from location to location via potted plants. The termites feed on living trees, and plants potted mainly with cellulose mulch make a perfect transport vehicle for new colonies to invade previously uninfested areas. In some locations tree species extiinctions have been predicted due to this termite species. I don't believe any checks of plants being sold across state lines take into consideration this plant pest. We have tested the use of vetiver oil on pea and citrus plants as a potential control measure to curb this problem (see Mao et al. Industrial Crops and Products, 2006, Vol. 23:327-332). This work came about as we saw that the mulch used for citrus plantings in pots at a location south of New Orleans was heavily infested with this invasive termite. One of my early investigations of termites in a building resulted in the discovery of a planted palm from Fla. being placed in a building in Lake Charles. A huge Formosan nest was found in the planter. Treatment/shipment regulations similar to those imposed for the Red Imported Fire ant should also be employed for Formosan suberranean termites.