Ecological Factors Affecting Termite Infestation And Distribution And Population Management Of Coptotermes Spp (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) Using Chlorfluazuron Bait
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Date
2019-06
Authors
Wan Umar, Wan Ahmad Syahir
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
In a natural ecosystem, termites play an important role as a decomposer since
termite can digest cellulose. However, termites will be considered as pests once they had
exerted substancial economical damages. The subterranean termites from the genus
Coptotermes spp are known as the major termite pests. Type of buildings have no
significant impact on the infestation level of termites as they can infest all types of building
structures as long as there is cellulose, their main source of food. In this study, type of
building; flat from government premises made up of 47.4% from the total buildings
sample for termite infestation followed by single house, single-storey terrace house, and
double-storey terrace house. Regardless of type of buildings, termite can be found
attacking some common places in the buildings. Termites prefer to attack window frames
(18.9%), followed by doors (13.5%) and cabinets (13.5%). From 21 surveyed sites, there
are a total of 6 genera of termites (Coptotermes, Microtermes, Hospitalitermes,
Globitermes, Macrotermes and Microcerotermes) of termites which include 7 termites
species (Coptotermes gestroi, Coptotermes curvignathus, Macrotermes gilvus,
Microcerotermes sp, Microtermes sp, Hospitalitermes sp, and Globitermes sulphureus).
In this study, the most common species found infesting building area are from the species
Coptotermes gestroi and Coptotermes curvignathus. Many factors affecting the activity
of termite to forage for food and each kind of species react differently towards the
ecological factors.
Description
Keywords
Ecological Factors , Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae