IT'S AFTER THE SWARMING PERIOD - CHECK YOUR HOMES FOR AST INFESTATION
What is Asian Subterranean Termite (AST)
The Asian Subterranean Termite (AST) is a new species of termite found infesting parts of the Lautoka and Labasa districts. This termite is responsible for causing massive damages to houses, schools, commercial buildings and vegetation. AST is the second most destructive subterranean termite in the world. AST makes its nest some 6 – 18 feet underground.
How do we know that we have AST in our homes
AST have a cryptobiotic or “hidden” lifestyle. This means that they are always hiding from our view beneath the surface of the soil, wood or in their mud tunnels. This cryptobiotic nature contributes to their success in invading human structures. AST enter buildings from beneath the soil surface and forage within the wood. It is difficult to detect their presence until damage becomes evident or termite swarming takes place.
Usual termite point of entry
AST usually invade a structure from the soil along the foundation. They commonly enter through cracks in the slab, utility conduits, expansion joints and plumbing connections. A common problem nowadays is subterranean termites entering a structure between the foundation and brick veneer, stucco or insulation that is below the grade level. The source of most of subterranean termite infestations is a colony living in the soil. However, some infestations originate from above ground (aerial infestations). Above ground infestation occurs either when a termite king and queen begin a new nest within a structure or when foraging termite workers become isolated indoors and cannot return to the parent colony.
Signs of AST infestation 1. Mud tubes
AST keep their main colony in the ground and build “mud tubes”, the thickness of which is around the diameter of a pencil that connect the nest (maintained in an environment with moisture) to the food source (wood). The tunnels may contain broken mud particles with fecal materials. These mud tubes or shelter tubes are proof of termite infestation, but their absence does not necessarily mean that a structure is free of termites. AST often rebuild damaged tubes and this is an indication of continued activity. Old tubes are dry and will crumble easily.
2. Hollowed or damaged Wood
Since AST build their nests underground; damaged wood that are eaten by AST usually have an accumulation of soil or mud within the tunnels. Damaged wood will appear to be layered and sound hollow when tapped. If the galleries are active, worker termites will be observed inside when wood surface is broken. In addition, AST feed “along the grain” rather than across the grain creating a ripple-like pattern inside the wood
3. Swarming Period (mid-August – November)
A “swarm” of what you might call “flying ants” especially near light sources may be that of AST. This also indicates a nest may be nearby. A swarm is a group of adult male and female termites that are capable of reproducing and leave their nest to establish a new colony. Swarming occurs when a colony reaches a certain size and is most common during the months of August/September to November in Fiji.
Some common practices which may increase the risk of AST infestation include:
• Placing turf, paving, concrete paths, bark and garden beds against the house wall • Leaving loose timber stacked up or leaning against the house • Movement of infested propagating material such as cane stalk and cassava stalk for planting to new sites or selling to the neighboring districts that do not have AST
How to reduce the risks of AST infestation
It is wise to have your house inspected for AST at least annually by Biosecurity officers. More frequent inspections may be required in high risk areas, that is, hotspot locations of Lautoka and Labasa and areas where there are a great number of trees or virgin bush nearby.
Dealing with termites - What to do and who to contact
• Do not disturb the nest • Immediately arrange for Biosecurity officers to conduct a thorough inspection • Inform your neighbors because one termite colony can affect several homes All timber, boards, wooden material and cut trees should be disposed by burning. Contact BAF on the best practices to dispose AST infested material. Remember, it is illegal to move any termite host material from the declared termite infested zones (Lautoka and Labasa districts). Help the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji control and contain the spread of AST.