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Dr. B. M. Ahmed (Shiday) and Dr. J.R.J. French
The University of Melbourne, Department of Forest and Ecosystem Science, Burnley Campus, Richmond, 3121, Australia *Faculty of Science, Health and Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Qld, 4558, Australia “More than two thousand years ago, a Chinese sage wrote, “When planning for a year, plant corn. When planning for a decade, plant trees. When planning for life, train and educate people”
ABSTRACT
Subterranean termites (‘termites’) are a major pest of human structures throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions, causing billions of dollars in damage to timber-in-service worldwide. Most control systems, in the past, relied almost solely on the use of extensively applied organochlorines as the major termiticides. These chemicals were banned for use as termiticides through out most of Australia in 1995. The banning of organochlorines stimulated a fresh look and wholly biorational approach to termite control. The focus of research is now directed to finding more "environmentally friendly" termite control methods. In order to develop new possibilities for more acceptable termite control, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of their biology, including reproduction, division of labour, foraging, intra-specific and inter-specific interactions, hindgut microbial community and environmental influences. Improved understanding may lead to more efficient and more effective control strategies. The purpose of this review is to review the current research on Australian termites highlighting ongoing research related to development of alternative control methods and to identify areas in need of further study and funding
The University of Melbourne, Department of Forest and Ecosystem Science, Burnley Campus, Richmond, 3121, Australia *Faculty of Science, Health and Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Qld, 4558, Australia “More than two thousand years ago, a Chinese sage wrote, “When planning for a year, plant corn. When planning for a decade, plant trees. When planning for life, train and educate people”
ABSTRACT
Subterranean termites (‘termites’) are a major pest of human structures throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions, causing billions of dollars in damage to timber-in-service worldwide. Most control systems, in the past, relied almost solely on the use of extensively applied organochlorines as the major termiticides. These chemicals were banned for use as termiticides through out most of Australia in 1995. The banning of organochlorines stimulated a fresh look and wholly biorational approach to termite control. The focus of research is now directed to finding more "environmentally friendly" termite control methods. In order to develop new possibilities for more acceptable termite control, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of their biology, including reproduction, division of labour, foraging, intra-specific and inter-specific interactions, hindgut microbial community and environmental influences. Improved understanding may lead to more efficient and more effective control strategies. The purpose of this review is to review the current research on Australian termites highlighting ongoing research related to development of alternative control methods and to identify areas in need of further study and funding
INTRODUCTION
In Australia the protection of timbers-in-service from termites had relied for many years upon the application of persistent organochlorines, as well as the organophosphate compound (chlorpyrifos) and the synthetic organic pyrethroid (bifenthrin) as soil chemical barriers (Lenz et al., 1990; Watson, 1990; NHMRC, 1993; AS 3660.1 2000). In the United States of America (USA) the persistent organochlorines were banned in 1987 and from June 1995 in all Australian states except the Northern Territory which had an exemption until 1987. Around 70% of total timber produced in Australia is used for building and construction purposes (ABARE, March/June quarter 2002).
Preservative treatment of timber according to Australian Standard 1604.1 (2000) prevents attack and damage of wood and wood products from biodeteriogens (namely fungi and insects). Above- ground interior timber framing is not liable to decay but is prone to damage by wood-destroying insects (namely wood borers and termites). In-ground exterior timbers are liable to damage by termites and wood decay fungi.
Termites are some of the most economically important insects known to humans. It has been
In Australia the protection of timbers-in-service from termites had relied for many years upon the application of persistent organochlorines, as well as the organophosphate compound (chlorpyrifos) and the synthetic organic pyrethroid (bifenthrin) as soil chemical barriers (Lenz et al., 1990; Watson, 1990; NHMRC, 1993; AS 3660.1 2000). In the United States of America (USA) the persistent organochlorines were banned in 1987 and from June 1995 in all Australian states except the Northern Territory which had an exemption until 1987. Around 70% of total timber produced in Australia is used for building and construction purposes (ABARE, March/June quarter 2002).
Preservative treatment of timber according to Australian Standard 1604.1 (2000) prevents attack and damage of wood and wood products from biodeteriogens (namely fungi and insects). Above- ground interior timber framing is not liable to decay but is prone to damage by wood-destroying insects (namely wood borers and termites). In-ground exterior timbers are liable to damage by termites and wood decay fungi.
Termites are some of the most economically important insects known to humans. It has been
estimated that termites cause over $100 million
dollars in damage to wooden structures annually
throughout Australia with almost 100% of that
attributable to subterranean termites (French, 1986).
In July 2007, it was estimated by the Archicentre
Institute of Australia that the costs of termite damage,
treatment and replacement costs are in the area of
AUD$910 million annually (Archicentre, 2007).The
economic loss to timber in service by termites
constitutes the greatest problem compared to other
wood-destroying insects in both urban and rural
environments. Termites can attack and damage sound
and decayed timber of native hardwoods, and native
and exotic softwoods. Mastotermes darwiniensis
Froggatt is by far the most destructive termite in
Australia. It occurs in the region north of the Tropic
of Capricorn, with Rockhampton being the southern
limit of its natural distribution. Coptotermes
acinaciformis (Froggatt), however, is responsible for
greater economic losses than all the other Australian
species of termites combined. This is due to its
extensive range, to the severe nature of its attack, and
to its extraordinary success in adapting itself to urban
environment.
A major focus of termite research in the past was on chemical methods for control with less attention placed on understanding termite behaviour, biology
A major focus of termite research in the past was on chemical methods for control with less attention placed on understanding termite behaviour, biology
For further details log on website :
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.457.8185&rep=rep1&type=pdf
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