Farm Forestry New Zealand
PESTS AND DISEASES OF FORESTRY IN NEW ZEALAND
Subterranean 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. 92, December 1999.
On 10 November the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) began an eradication programme of Australian subterranean termites (Coptotermes acinaciformis) from a number of properties in Otorohanga, south of Hamilton. The source of the infestation is thought to have been hardwood power poles imported from Australia, and erected in the late 1950s. The termites were first reported by residents of the affected property in 1990, when winged insects emerged from a door jamb. In the nine years since the infestation was first noted, no new areas of infestation have been found within the Otorohanga district. The eradication responses taken since 1990 by the former Ministry of Forestry were the most appropriate at the time, and have assisted in limiting the spread of the subterranean termites.
A delimiting survey carried out in March 1999 found termite activity on nine properties concentrated in an area of approximately 1.4 hectares. This year's programme started with the removal and burning of three power poles. Sentricon bait stations, developed by Dow AgroScience, were placed in seven selected properties from 15 to 19 November. The Sentricon bait system involves the deployment of termite aggregation stations and a bait toxin, Hexaflumuron, a slow acting ingredient which kills by disrupting the normal growth process. The bait station system involves a three step process of initial monitoring to "pinpoint" termite activity, then delivery of the bait, and finally monthly monitoring to ensure eradication. The use of this system has advantages over other strategies in that it does not rely on locating the main nest, is environmentally safe and is not obtrusive to residents. In Australia Dr Michael Lenz, (CSIRO) achieved a world first by demonstrating effective elimination of colonies of C. acinaciformis, C. lacteus and Nasutitermes exitiosus in the field using Hexaflumuron.
The MAF programme is being carried out in conjunction with Pestforce, an Australian pest control company, who are registered by Dow AgroScience to operate the Sentricon system, Colin Barr (Vigil, Forest Research), Environment Waikato, and the Otorohonga District Council.
The Australian subterranean termite infestation site (FHNews 77:1, Aug 1998) treated at Matamata, during September 1998, continues to be monitored using the Sentricon bait system. As at 1 December 1999 no new activity has been detected.
Mark Ross, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
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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