Management of Drywood Termites: Past Practices, Present Situation and Future Prospects - Urban Insect Pests: Sustainable Management Strategies - page 142

Fig. 9.3. Photograph of a drywood gallery system in a thin section of plyboard that illustrates the gallery
architecture. The black arrows point to a lateral cut into the narrow galleries that connect the larger
feeding galleries indicated by the grey arrows. The white arrows point to cross-sections of a narrow
gallery connecting other feeding galleries not visible in this thin section.

2011). Surface treatment of wood has also
been shown to be an effective preventative
intervention (Scheffrahn et al ., 2001) but is
generally not considered a viable remedial
treatment option (Rust and Scheffrahn,
1982; Rust et al ., 1997; Scheffrahn et al .,
1998; Lewis et al ., 2011). Surface treatment
of wood is complicated in existing structures
because complete and thorough coverage of
wood in situ demands strict attention
during application and may not be possible
in many types of construction (Lewis et al .,
2011). Wood removal and replacement is
effective, and verifi able, but destructive to
interior wall covers and diffi cult when load-
bearing structural lumber is involved.
In summary, management/elimination of
drywood termite infestations in human
habitation is challenging and both prac-
titioners and clientele should acknowledge
that drywood termite feeding activity (dam-
age) is not sudden and catastrophic. The
control/elimination of drywood termites
demands patience and, more appropriately,
a management approach that accounts
for the diffi culty of verifi able control/

elimination. Drywood termite management
should involve a programme incorporating
inspections and interventions given the
limitations presented by the nuances
attendant to the drywood termite species,
economics and construction found at each
unique infestation.

Conclusion

Research has advanced our understanding
of drywood termite biology and ecology
thereby providing a framework for improv-
ing efforts at detection and control when
intervention is necessary. The discovery
and elucidation of cuticular hydrocarbons
on faecal pellets shows promise for
determining how long an infestation has
been in place (Haverty et al. , 2000, 2005;
Lewis et al ., 2010). Recent reporting that
some species of pestiferous ants manipulate
their cuticular hydrocarbon profi les to alter
colony nest-mate recognition and foraging
behaviour (Torres et al ., 2007) could also
lead to future investigations with drywood