Farm Forestry New Zealand
PESTS AND DISEASES OF FORESTRY IN NEW ZEALAND
Auckland termites
Scion is the leading provider of forest-related knowledge in New Zealand
Formerly known as the Forest Research Institute, Scion has been a leader in research relating to forest health for over 50 years. The Rotorua-based Crown Research Institute continues to provide science that will protect all forests from damage caused by insect pests, pathogens and weeds. The information presented below arises from these research activities.
From Forest Health News No.12, August 1992.
On 7 February 1992 FRI confirmed that termites collected by Chris Scott from St Davids Church, Khyber Pass Road, Auckland were Coptotermes frenchii. After an extensive survey termite attack/damage was found in the lower ground floor, upper levels and gallery, the church hall and also two pohutukawa trees in the grounds.
John Bain (Entomologist) treated some runways with insecticidal dust. Post application checks in both instances revealed that termites were still active and therefore other means of eradication would have to be considered. John Bain said that two nearby pohutukawa trees had indications of quite extensive termite activity within the root system and possibly into the main stem. The operation to remove the two pohutukawa trees suspected of harbouring termite nests was carried out over 3 days, 25th, 26th and 27th August 1992. All crown and branches up to approximately 12cm diameter were removed and the material put through a brush chipper.
Large limbs and roots were removed and transported to quarantine yards. The stump and upper sections were chemically treated before removal to quarantine yards where all material (2 loads stump and root material and 3 loads limbs and stems) was fumigated. At the point of removal of the basal section of stem on the large tree (at which point the remaining stump was approximately 20cm/ a.g.l.) the chain saw had cut through a nest. The nest structure was reasonably centrally placed within the stump/ and at its widest point below ground level was probably 80-90cm diameter. Chemical treatment of both tree sites was carried out prior to a stump grinder being used on remaining roots.
Dave Hayes
Termites
From Forest Health News No. 7, March 1992.
A further infestation of Australian subterranean termites has been found in Auckland - in a real estate office. Preliminary investigations suggest that the termites were only seeking accommodation rather than taking over the property.
Mr Ron Calwell, an architect engaged by the real estate company, contacted the Ministry to inform them he suspected the office had termites as tenants. "From a preliminary examination it would appear that the termites had taken up residency in only one cubicle partition although a typical mud covered track can be seen emerging from one column" said Mr Laurie Gibson (MOF Auckland Protection Manager).
An Australian hardwood pole in the immediate vicinity of the office building appears to be the host for the nest from where the termites originated. Although investigations are not yet completed Ministry of Forestry staff believe the termites have taken up residence in only the one office cubicle. These uninvited non paying tenants are expected to be evicted due to the damage they have caused.
Laurie Gibson
This information is intended for general interest only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific specialist advice on any matter and should not be relied on for that purpose. Scion will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or exemplary damages, loss of profits, or any other intangible losses that result from using the information provided on this site.
(Scion is the trading name of the New Zealand Forest Research Institute Limited.)
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