This study investigates modifications to AWPA Standard E18-06 to develop an above-ground field test for subterranean termites native to the eastern United States. AWPA Standard E18-06 was modified in two stages to progressively increase optimum conditions for subterranean termite feeding. Modification II, which incorporated the use of house bricks and feeder strips with a solid ventilated cover, had an increase in termite attack with less variation between tests. This study also investigates the effects of adding antioxidants, both natural and synthetic, and analogues which lack antioxidant properties, to test wood blocks on feeding by Reticulitermes flavipes Kollar using AWPA Standard E1-09. Antioxidants had feeding deterrence and mortality properties to R. flavipes. Conversely, the non-antioxidant analogues, with the exception of the heterocyclic flavanone, had little effect on R. flavipes. It is concluded that R. flavipes instinctively avoids wood which contains high levels of antioxidants, such as heartwood with phenolic extractives.