Necessary action should be taken on noticing the first signs like a mud tube to prevent termites from causing damage and destruction. Timely action is essential for termite management in India which 340 of the 4,000 termite species recorded on the globe. This was stated at the start of training programme on termite management and wood preservation organised jointly by the Forest Research Institute and Pest Management Association.
Speaking on the occasion delivering the inaugural address, FRI forest entomology division scientist M Yousuf said that everybody is well aware of termites, as the pests of furniture, books and households. He further added that about 4,000 termite species have been recorded the world over, of which 340 species have been described from India.Termites may attack trees with low resistance but generally ignore fast-growing plants. Termites start to move from ground forming mud tubes. They attack furniture, doors, fixtures, documents, clothes and even currency notes. He cautioned that when you notice a mud tube, have a quick look that millions of termites are working to damage your property. In case of termites, prevention is always better than cure. It is interesting, if your neighbor is doing anti-termite treatment, the termites will start moving towards new untreated zones, which may be your house.
Speaking as the chief guest Forest Survey of India director general Dr Anmol Kumar appreciated the initiative jointly undertaken by the two bodies FRI and PMA for addressing the need of pest management in houses, offices and buildings in changing scenario.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion the FRI director Savita said that the institute’s Forest Entomology Division is working on important Entomological aspects, since its inception. Forest Entomology Division has made major contribution on Termites and their control measures. She added that, National Forest Insect Collection (NFIC), at Forest Entomology Division, has the richest collection on Forest Insects in India. This collection has about 3 lakh insect specimens with 18, 000 authentically identified species including 1900 Types. NFIC has also the wet collection with 855 species of Isoptera (Termites). NFIC has been fully digitized and detailed information on all species are available in database. She further claimed that Forest Entomology Museum is also a unique collection of 3,000 exhibits, representing different groups of insects and their damaging patterns.
A big model of termite Queen and termite mound are the exhibits, which draw the attention of visitors. This museum is a great source of learning for naturalists, researchers and trainees. Shestressed the need for more such programmes on regular basis.
Speaking on the occasion, the PMA president Dr Sarang Savalekar said that PMA is conducting training and educational programmes all over the country jointly with agricultural universities as well as government organisations for up gradation of knowledge and information on pest management. He further expressed his desire to conduct more such programmes with FRI on regular basis. Senior scientist Dr NSK Harsh proposed the vote of thanks on the occasion.