Coptotermes formosanus field colonies abandoned established wooden field monitors when stressed/dead termites and debris were placed in the monitors. We investigated the effects of dead/moribund or captive stressed termites on the consumption of wooden blocks in a choice jar arena. There was no visible behavioral evidence of aversion to dead/moribund individuals.  However, there was a significant negative effect on wood consumption in those jars with dead/moribund or captive stressed termites, as demonstrated in a number of separate laboratory trials.  These results demonstrate that stressful disturbances can have a detrimental effect on termite feeding and possibly other aspects of behavior.