Concept of termite Monitoring and
Intervention Systems
The principle of
monitoring techniques is to have a
susceptible substance in an aggregation
device ("monitoring station") on which
the termites aggregate and continue to
feed once they have found the monitoring
station. Monitoring stations can be
placed in in-ground and above-ground
situations. Placement of the stations in
areas conducive to termite activity
("directed placement") enhances the
chances of contact with foraging
termites. A toxicant in timber or a
cellulose matrix can be placed in the
station or the colony may be indirectly
destroyed by dusting aggregated
termites. Some toxicants eliminate the
colony while others suppress the colony.
However, both methods reduce potential
to cause further damage to timbers.
Termite monitoring is most beneficial
when used as part of an
integrated-pest-management strategy.
Colony elimination or suppression should
be followed by hazard reduction and
regular inspection. Monitoring should
continue because only a small amount of
toxin is used and does not prevent
foraging by other termite colonies that
may be present in the foraging range of
a timber structure.
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