Climate change impacts the current and potential distribution of many insects, since temperature is often a limiting factor to where the insects can survive. The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae), has never been reported in South Korea despite its close proximity to 2 countries (China and Japan) where this economically important pest has been reported. This may be due to the average winter temperature in South Korea which is below 4 °C, the lower limit of the current distribution range of Formosan subterranean termite. However, with climate change leading to increased temperatures, South Korea may be susceptible to successful invasion by Formosan subterranean termite. The objective of this study is to estimate the future possible distribution of Formosan subterranean termite in Korea based on temperature. Climate data from Korea showed a significant increase of 2.19 °C per 100 yr in average annual temperature from 1910 to 2018. Previous and current average winter temperatures were higher than 4 °C only in Jeju, and most provinces did not exceed 4 °C, except for some southern cities such as Busan in 2000 to 2019. With the estimated rate of temperature rises, winter temperatures in Gyeongsangnam-do will exceed 4 °C starting from 2020, and Jeollanam-do will exceed 4 °C from 2060. Coupled with the statistically significant, increased annual trade between Korea and other countries (China, Japan, Taiwan, and the USA) where C. formosanus is currently distributed, we predict that Formosan subterranean termite will become established in South Korea, probably starting from a southern trade port such as Busan.

Many wooden architectural heritage buildings exist in Korea, and the authenticity and structural stability of these cultural assets are being affected by termites. This study aimed to identify the degree of termite damage and related factors in these buildings. The degree of termite damage to 182 nationally designated wooden architectural heritage buildings (national treasures and treasures) in Korea was quantified, and data were collected for 11 factors affecting termite damage, such as the surrounding environment and architectural features. Based on the results of a general linear model analysis, the following three factors were identified to have a significant effect on termite damage: the type of contact between the ground and wooden structural items, the number of days of termite activity, and the proportion of forests in the land surrounding the property. This study is the first attempt to statistically analyze factors affecting termite damage to wooden heritage buildings, and our results provide initial data for the preservation and management of these properties.

Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makino trees, which account for a large proportion of cultural assets and protected trees and have considerable historical and cultural symbolic meaning in South Korea. To verify the reliability of the nondestructive sonic tomography (SoT) method on Z. serrata trees, this study compared the results of SoT with those obtained with the destructive resistance micro-drilling method. With SoT measurement, defects were found in approximately 75% of the target Z. serrata trees and two of these trees were evaluated as having a high risk because their defective portions accounted for approximately 70% or more of the entire cross section. The independent samples t-test indicated that the two methods did not show a significant difference between measurements. Regression analysis indicated that the measurement values of the two methods showed a positive relationship with a high explanatory power of 76%, thus, verifying the reliability of SoT.

Applicability Study on Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) Colony Eliminator to Preserve Wooden Cultural Heritage termite;wooden cultural heritage;termite monitoring;colony baiting; This study is conducted to develop new termite colony elimination system that can control termite colony much faster, and to eco-environmentally prevent termite damage occurred in wooden cultural heritage. As a result of laboratory test, we developed a component system, of which fipronil 0.001% (w/w) treated bait was used as a suitable termite colony eliminator. This system can be monitored without taking off underground, and it makes regular monitoring much more efficient. The result of field test showed that 36 termite baiting devices among 367 installed devices were damaged by foraging termites. After baiting, all of termite colonies attracted to devices were eliminated or their activity clearly decreased.

Korean wooden architectural heritage buildings are often damaged by termites, and climate change is expected to exacerbate the problem. To prevent termite damage, it is necessary to identify the habitat range and activity period of termites. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the ecological characteristics of Reticulitermes speratus, the dominant termite species in South Korea, past termite damage records of wooden architectural heritage buildings, and climate data (2000–2019). We determined that termite infestations could potentially occur in 98.5% of the total studied area, except for a few mountainous regions in South Korea. In addition, termites were active for an average of 209 days per year. The habitat range of termites appears to be gradually expanding, possibly as a result of a combination of anthropogenic interventions, rising temperatures caused by climate change, and the ecological characteristics of termites. In the future, it is imperative to implement enhanced preventive and active termite control measures to preserve the original wooden architectural heritage buildings of South Korea.

Ingestion Toxicity of Fipronil on Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) and Its Applicability as A Termite Bait termite;historical wooden building;bait;fipronil; Historical wooden buildings in Korea are being damaged by Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis Morimoto, a type of subterranean termite, and the scale of this damage is increasing gradually because of global warming. This study evaluated the ingestion toxicity of the phenylpyrazole insecticide fipronil to R. s. kyushuensis and its applicability as termite bait with the aim of controlling termite colonies more efficiently. An ingestion toxicity assessment was conducted and the $LT_{50}$ was determined to be 4.43 day at concentrations of 10 ppm, indicating a slow-acting effect; therefore, 10 ppm was selected as an appropriate dose. A field applicability assessment was conducted in which the number of foraging workers and the rate at which the termites fed decreased 2 weeks after baiting, and termite colony activity was no longer apparent after 4 weeks demonstrating the efficacy of fipronil at eliminating colonies. Taken together, these results, indicate that low-dose fipronil eliminated R. s. kyushuensis colonies faster than insect growth regulators; therefore, it is expected to be useful when trying to conserve historical wooden buildings.