1999-11
Infestation by the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), was found throughout the two ground floors of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. Termite activity in soil was also detected in two locations outside the monument walls. In total, four clusters of termite activity were identified.
The widespread infestation suggested that termites had been in the monument for several years before they were noticed in 1994 and were probably introduced during the restoration project in the mid-1980s.
Baits containing an insect growth regulator, hexaflumuron, were applied using above- and inground stations in mid-1996. By October 1997, all four infestations were eliminated after consuming a total of 1.8 g hexaflumuron. Monitoring stations remained in the soil to detect residual or new populations of subterranean termites on Liberty Island.
