January 2007 / Vol.4 / Issue 1

Hello and Welcome to the January Greenpest News. Each month we aim to provide you with some useful information, keeping it short, sweet and pertinent.

Contents

1. Pest Talk
2. Beware misinformation dressed up as facts.
3. Customer Question of the Month.
4. Story of the Month.
5. Monthly Special

Pest Talk

Is scientific research always accurate?

There are a lot of researchers around the world studying termites. At Green Termite Bait Systems we make every effort to uncover this material and present it to our readers in a condensed way so that it is understandable and sheds some light on the mysteries of termite behaviour.

Very often we come across researchers or individuals who base everything upon one set of results, despite other evidence to the contrary.

For example there are several theories put forward that attempt to answer the big question, "How do termites find wood to eat?"

Some say that termites travel in a random way underground and that they simply bump into it. Then others argue that termites have been seen to travel several stories up a brick wall to reach the timber in the roof, so how did the termites know it was there - surely they didn't just randomly find it? Even the decay gas theory we have discussed in our July 2005 newsletter couldn't account for termites travelling several metres up a brick and concrete wall to reach the timber in a roof.

Let's be silly for a minute, and offer yet another theory. Maybe during hot humid nights some termite scouts leave the safety of their galleries, and take a walk on the wild side! Maybe they climbed up and up to discover the timber above, then returned to tell their friends. Days later the colony begins the tedious construction of a mud lead extending several metres from earth to roof. This is a theory. It has no evidence. It might be true, but it probably isn't.

Maybe termites can just 'sense' where wood is and at this point in time we mere humans don't have a means of detecting this 'sense'. Of course we all know of other insects and animals that have these wondrous gifts. Some known examples that come to mind are bats, bees, birds and dogs. We know that bats can fly in pitch black caves without colliding with the walls or each other because they have the equivalent of built-in radar; a sensory method that we don't have. A single bee can fly away from the hive, find a field of flowers, navigate back to the hive, relay the information to all the other bees who can then perfectly navigate back to the field. Migratory birds can fly several thousand kilometres across the world from one hemisphere to the other and find a particular lake where they will breed year after year. What's more amazing is that researchers can take a young bird that has never done the trip before and release it several days after the main flock has departed and it will unerringly make it's way across the world to the exact same place. This knowledge, we call instinct, is hard wired into the creature at birth. It isn't learnt.

As for dogs, we all appreciate that the olfactory powers of canines is up to a thousand times more sensitive than ours. They can sniff for drugs and explosives at airports. They can detect sickness in people and of course we all know they can sniff out termites. The animal kingdom is full of thousands of amazing things that animals can do, but that we can't always fully explain. If it wasn't for the fact that it plainly happens, we'd find it hard to believe.

So when it comes to termites, we think it's best to keep an open mind. Most termite theory comes from the observation of termites in nature, and some trials done in laboratories. Laboratory trials are often quoted as the bees knees. We think they are useful, but believe that field studies offer more accurate information.

Whilst on this subject, it is also important to note that a study of termites in the USA may or may not apply equally or in some measure to termites in Australia or any other country. Different termite species display different behaviours as reported in our September 2006 newsletter.

To sum up, we want to make one point. There are several theories about termite behaviour and how they find timber. One correct theory about termite behaviour doesn't automatically exclude all others. Some theories may be 100% correct or only partially correct. It is logical and most likely that termites find timber through a variety of means, singly or in combination; some that we can prove, and others for which we offer our best guess.

Scientists don't yet have all the answers. In fact the more we learn, the more we realise how much we don't know. It is astounding that tiny blind termites travelling underground in pitch black tunnels can work together to find timber, especially timber that is difficult to access. One day scientists may prove for certain how this is achieved. Until then, we can only offer our best guesses; or in scientific jargon, we can 'theorise'.

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Beware misinformation dressed up as facts.

The reason we decided to discuss the topic above was because we noted that one unlicenced non-professional (pretending to be a professional) was adamantly claiming on his web site that laboratory research has proven that termites can only detect timber with-in 2.5mm and in the next breath they state a 2 metre range. They also claimed that termite baits must be placed no less than 2 metres apart if they are to be effective.

If they were correct (and it's plain that they are not), but if they were correct, then spacing the baits no more than 4 metres apart would suffice, because one or the other bait would attract the approaching termites since the termites must travel within 2 metres of one of the baits. To see this principle on paper; draw two dots 4cm (scale 1cm=1m) apart and then try to draw a line between the two dots without getting with-in at least 2cm of one or the other dots.

The so called 2 metre rule would be affected by many variables:

• What type of timber is used in the bait?
• What quantity of timber is used?
• What is the age of the timber in the soil?
• What type of soil are the baits installed into?
• What species of termites are we discussing?
• What is the moisture content, alkalinity or acidity of the soil?
• What level of microbial activity is in the soil?
• Are there natural predators nearby such as a large ant nest?
• What other competing sources of food are there, such a tree roots or timber off-cuts from the building?

At Green Termite Bait Systems we advise that 2-3 metres is the optimum spacing for termite baits. We came up with this distance using good old fashioned trial and error. We suggest 2 metre spacing in high risk areas and about 3 metres in other areas. It doesn't have to be exactly 3 metres either. Sometimes the layout of the land or the existence of concrete pathways or driveways will mean that the baits are spread even further than this.

It's also important that baits are installed where they are most likely to intercept foraging termites. For example, two baits placed 2 metres either side of a concrete join may be less effective than a single bait placed next to the join in the concrete, simply because termites are known to exploit concrete joins as a method of travel; probably because it offers them both ease of travel and protection from predators. A well positioned single bait has more chance of intercepting termites than the two poorly positioned baits. It's another good reason to have a professional install your baits.

The generally accepted rule governing the best placement of baits (or monitors) is to ensure that the high risk areas of termite activity are covered first and foremost, and that the rest of the baits are spread as logically and orderly as possible. Professional pest controllers know the best places to install your baits which is just another reason why you should seek their advice if you are going to install a termite baiting system around your property.

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Copycats and Critics.

There is now a company out there selling a poor replica of our original bait based on our 1996 design, except that it isn't as good as our 1996 model and has quite a few design flaws. Our long term clients would know that we have made constant improvements to our baits over the past 11 years. Maybe we should be flattered that more and more companies are taking note of the Green Termite Bait System and incorporating some of our ideas into their products.

Funnily enough, that works both ways. By reading trade journals, and regular internet searches, we pay close attention to every new termite product that is released around the world. Our minds are open to possibilities and anytime we see something new and interesting, we investigate it, and if we can use it or incorporate it with our product, we'll do so.

For example, last year we tested a new foam from Bayer named Premise Foam. It looked like a winner but when we used it, we soon discovered that in most cases it killed the termites too quickly and as such it wasn't useful in a termite bait system where termiticide transference from live workers back to the nest is vital. Our pleas to Bayer to bring out a diluted version for use in bait systems or homes with active termite galleries, fell on deaf ears.

One of our distributors in NSW and another in WA have both devised a similar way to treat the Green Termite Baits using another brand of bait matrix. Basically a porridge mix containing a non-repellent termiticide is made up in the plastic bag it comes in and then the bag is placed over the active Green Termite Bait and the whole lot is then covered in soil. The termites emerge from the Green Termite Bait to feed on the bait matrix. The results are great and we appreciate our distributor's feedback and enterprise. The removable top on the new Green Termite Baits helps to facilitate this alternate treatment option. With older style baits, the window is simply removed by cutting the plastic sticker that attaches the window to the top of the bait. We are not suggesting that this method be used all the time. It is simply another alternative and demonstrates the versatility of the Green Termite Bait System.

Sometimes we face criticism from competitors based on ignorance rather than understanding. For example, one of the comments we have heard is that the Ec2c Termite Windows are no good because they fog up. In fact, fogging up is a useful feature of the Green Termite Bait System simply because anytime you see an Ec2c Termite Window that is fogged up, you know instantly that the bait is not active. It is free of termites. When termites enter the inspection chamber within the Green Termite Bait, they soon absorb the moisture and coat the Ec2c Termite Window with mud.

Another feature of the Green Termite Bait System is that the windows are slightly recessed to reduce scratching. They are also made from a very tough polycarbonate, however if they do get scratched, then it only takes a few seconds to replace the window with a spare one.

The Green Termite Bait System has gone through several developmental stages to get to where it is today. It is a top line product and we confidently believe it is the best termite bait system in the world.

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News:

In the last few months we have been fortunate to be given a new termiticide dust to test for one of the larger chemical companies in the world. It's a proven product with an active ingredient that is already widely respected as one of the most effective termiticides available. We have been testing a new formulation that we believe will make a huge impact on the termite industry worldwide.

Naturally we are extremely proud that it is an Australian idea and that our staff members have contributed to its development. It works brilliantly in conjunction with the Green Termite Bait System and we hope it won't be too much longer before it is made available to the pest control industry in Australia.

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Customer Question of the Month.

Question:

Hi Jerry,

My husband has concrete about 2 foot down one side of our house were we
are trying to find a spot to put our remaining 5 baits, will we smash the concrete? It continues through the fence to next door.

Kind Regards,
Mary-Anne M (Kahibah - NSW)

Answer:

Hi Mary-Anne,

Smashing the concrete sounds horrible. We usually core drill a neat 103mm hole. However, core drills are probably not readily available where you are. Maybe a local plumber will have the gear to do it.

We have had some customers cut a neat square hole 120mm x 120mm in their concrete using a skillfully controlled jack hammer.

With either method, you will need to top up the hole with dirt and the bait should sit near but slightly below the top surface of the concrete.

If the gap is less than 6m across the path from turf to turf, then you might opt to skip over the concrete for only a slightly increased risk.

Maybe you can install the baits on the neighbour's side of the fence with their permission. We've done this on occasion ourselves, but a lot depends on a good understanding with the neighbours. Of course they will also benefit from the baits!

Finally, you may decide to cut a 300mm x 300mm hole, or a semi-circle with a radius of 400mm, and create a small flower bed, then add a bait in the middle of it. The flowers look pretty, the bait is concealed, and if perchance termites are attracted to the flower bed due to the little bit of water you give to the flowers, then the bait is waiting there to intercept them.

Hope these suggestions help,

Jerry

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Story of the Month.

Spider Stripper...

Written by Jerry Furnell.

Thirty odd years ago when I was about nineteen, I was riding my motorcycle through a gully in the local bush (which is now a housing estate) at Morningside, Brisbane. As I rode I noticed three attractive teenage girls on horseback up on the ridge above me, about 100 metres away.

Riding forward slowly (it was a low geared trials bike), I returned my eyes to the trail in front of me just in time to see a huge spider the size of my hand hanging on a sticky web immediately in front of my face.

Too late... I rode into it, and the spider scampered across my face, over my helmet and down the back of my shirt.

I think I let out a yell of fright, before quickly jumping off my motorcycle and letting it fall to the ground. I quickly ripped my shirt off searching for the spider. Since I couldn't see it, I thought maybe it had gone into my trousers... and yes, down they came in a mighty hurry too.

There I was... my trousers around my riding boots, my shirt thrown to the ground, dancing and hopping around in my undies like a man possessed, just incase the spider was still on me.

I was oblivious to everything other than the one thought, 'Where could the spider possibly be?" when I realised I could hear...

Clapping, and three girls hooting and cheering! I'm sure I turned bright red.

Of course, from their distance, they hadn't seen the spider. They only saw a young fool ride along, take a look up at them, give a wild holler, then promptly throw down his motorcycle and launch into the fastest strip ever. That was followed up with a wild Indian dance involving lots of back slapping, spins and twists. How silly I must have looked with my helmet still on my head and my trousers tripping me up around my ankles.

I'm sure that to this day, there are three ladies who still recall the story about the mad dill they once saw on the motorcycle in the bush. Well ladies, if you are reading... now you know!

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The Greenpest News is Published by J & A Furnell Nominees P/L; Shop 23a Franklin Square, 60 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of Jerry Furnell. The reader is encouraged to seek further information from appropriate government and statutory departments before taking any action based on this material alone.

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See you again next month.

Always... At your service,

Jerry Furnell
Green Pest Control & Green Termite Bait Systems.
Phone 1800 6 12345.

Copyright 2007 Green Termite Bait Systems & Green Pest Control. All rights reserved.

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