Ruhma Syed

Subterranean Termites in Pakistan: Constructional Damages: Assessment of Damages of Construction and Its Control Measures Caused by Subterranean Termites in Pakistan Ruhma Syed

The present study deals with the damages caused by subterranean termites with the help of survey of infested houses in Lahore. Results of the survey have been made on the basis of most important destructive termite species in various parts of the city, classification of damage in different structures, and counter measures adopted against termite infestation. Feeding activity of Heterotermes indicola (Wasmann) was also observed against commercial timbers of Pakistan under Laboratory conditions in Modified Wood Block Test. Foraging activity and territory of Coptotermes heimi (Wasmann) in Jallo Forest Park, Lahore were studied by a mark release recapture method. Moreover present study also deals with the termiticidal performance of treated wood after exposure to soil burial under laboratory conditions. Degradation of chemicals and changes to termiticidal effectiveness has been discussed. The longevity and persistence of formulated insecticides was tested by applying both Ground Stake Test (GST) and Modified Ground Board Test (MGBT) under field trials. The visual observations of termite attack were made on wooden stakes and blocks which were in contact with termiticide-treated soil.