Brian Forschler

Termite aggression

Inspection station

Termite Research

University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences entomologist Brian Forschler studies termite colonies using four methods:

• behavior observation,
• species identification,
• genetic markers and
• capture, mark and release.

Part of Forschler’s research uses inspection ports made of PVC pipe driven into the ground. A wooden lure is used below ground to attract the termites. When the lure is pulled to the surface, the caught termites are tinted a particular color. The lure and termites are then returned. The lure is later removed, along with other lures from other inspection ports. The colored termites are examined under ultraviolet light, counted and checked to see how far they have moved or if any of the original group emerges. This can determine a colony’s territory.

His research uses maternal genetic markers to identify species. The research also pairs off termites from different inspection ports to see if they fight. Opposing species often will fight, but not always.

Forschler locates and studies termites all over Georgia. Because termites in Savannah are active 11 months of the year, research has been centered there for the past five years. The research site has 35 inspection ports keeping an eye on as many as 20 different colonies.

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