The second shipment of Termidor chemicals worth $1.1m for the further control of the invasive Asian Subterranean termite species have been received by the Bio-security Authority of Fiji – BAF.
BAF officer Ilaitia Boa briefed the Minister for Primary industries Joketani Cokanasiga and permanent secretary Lieutenant Colonel Mason Smith this morning.
“We received the shipment last week and sent it to Lautoka for containment and control work there,” Mr Boa said.
“The chemicals should last us a few months.”
The chemicals come in two forms – liquid that kills termites instantly, while the powder form has a more delayed reaction, but which the termite carries to the nest thus destroying the nest as well.
Another eradication strategy is the use of bait stations.
Newly appointed BAF chief executive officer Elvis Silvestrini hailed operation Kadivuka and successful strategies that were being followed to eradicate termites.
The operation is spread out into three phases.
“And there are also bait stations, which are coming in and are a process of monitoring and so put in areas where termites are, it gets checked on a regular basis – and when activity is detected and the dust is put on them and this is taken back to the nest,” Mr Silvestrini said.
“So there are a number of strategies that we have in place and if we look at operation Kadivuka in terms of phase one of the strategy and in terms of identification, eradication and where possible containment it has been very successful.
“It has been limited to a certain geographical area with the assistance of the disciplined forces operating under extraordinary circumstances and conditions and thanks to them that phase has been successful.
“Second phase that we are in now is one of rehabilitation – of schools and homes.
“Phase three – is an ongoing process and that is where we need the assistance of ministries to assist us in being able to do this. So it’s one of continual monitoring, containment and treatment.”
Quick Facts:
Termidor dust – 1125, 15 gram packs
Termidor chemicals – 105 boxes of 2.5 liter cartons
Bait Stations – 2500
BAF acting Deputy CEO Ilaitia Boa during the briefing.
-End-