Farm Forestry New Zealand
PESTS AND DISEASES OF FORESTRY IN NEW ZEALAND
Otorohanga on track for termite all-clear
From Biosecurity Issue 42, March 2003.
An Otorohanga suburb dubbed ‘Termite Hill’ due to persistent problems with the Australian subterranean termite (Coptotermes acinaciformis) has passed its third year without any signs of infestation.
The latest annual visual surveillance took place last month with the expert eyes of staff from Vigil Forest Health staff, Australian pest control company PestForce and MAF performing another clean sweep. Checks will continue until 2006 before the all clear can be given. The last recorded sighting was on 18 February 2000. The termite is thought to have entered New Zealand unnoticed several decades ago, within Australian telephone poles, railway sleepers and posts – prior to strict timber quarantine procedures. Termites can cause significant structural damage to residential properties. Checks will continue until 2006 before the all clear can be given.
Earlier articles on the Otorohanga termite infestation have appeared in Biosecurity issues 22, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 32.
Mark Ross, National Adviser, Forest Pest Surveillance and Response, MAF Forest Biosecurity
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