International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Impact Factor (2012): 3.358 Volume 3 Issue 9, September 2014 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Stakes as Aggregation and Detection Tools for Control of Termites at Three Different Stations in Lahore, Pakistan Khalid Zamir Rasib 1 , Hina Ashraf 2 1,2 Biology Department, Forman Christian College University, Lahore -54600, Pakistan Abstract: Some imported woods are well known for their durability and their characters have carried them far from their original homes. It is necessary to know the behaviour of wood species under different environmental conditions and their durability class before the timber or timber product is put into use. The extent of wood deterioration is dependent on various conditions such as soil, rainfall, altitude, temperature, and other environmental conditions under which the timber is put to use. Natural durability refers to the ability of wood species to resist attack by different agents, especially biological ones. This paper describes the natural resistance of important imported timber species of Pakistan against termites at different stations. Field experiments were carried out at three locations with the aim of evaluating the natural resistance of 18 species of imported woods. Wood stakes measuring (L x W) 19 inches x 3.0 inches were installed in the soil and observed for a period of 3 months alone and in different combinations with M.anisophilae, Fipronil and Imidacloprid. The termites active in the test yard and on the test stakes were collected and identified. Results revealed significant variation in rate of degradation of wood species with climatic zones producing significant variation as well. Termites collected belonged to three species with the single family Termitidae. While Odontotermes obesus Microtermes obesi and Coptotermes heimi was the dominant species in most of the locations. Keywords: Wooden stakes, Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Metarhizium anisophilae, Termites 1. Introduction The subterranean termite is truly an enigma. It is the most destructive, xylophagous pest of human structures and economically important plants [1], [2]. The most troublesome termites in agricultural are the fungus-growing termites (Termitidae). Termite fauna of Pakistan consists of 50 species. Of these nine termites species i.e. Odontotermes assmuthi, O. guptai, O. gurdaspurensis, O. horai, Microtermes mycophagus, M. obesi, M. unicolor, M. paradoxalis and Angulitermes debraensis were recorded from sugarcane field at Gojra, Punjab, Pakistan [3],[4]. They become economically important pests when they started to destroy the wood and wooden products of human homes, building materials, forests, agriculture crops and other commercial products [5]. The principal component of their diet is wood, which is also the dominant structural element of the building construction industry [6]. Their innate role as decomposers of wood and other vegetation in the natural ecosystem changes their status from beneficial insect to that of a “pest,” depending on whether the subject of their attack is a fallen tree or the lumber in a home or other building. The continued growth and expansion of urbanization also creates conditions conducive to infestation by subterranean termites. Wood-framed structures, well-watered lawns, bark mulch adjacent to buildings, and firewood piles beckon to the termites to feast on the plethora [7]. The world’s timber resources play an important role in the economic development of both wood-producing and importing regions [8]. Subterranean termites are widespread pests of wood structures and wood products. These wood destroying pests are a continuous threat to wood composite materials in residential and commercial structures. Wood composite panels used extensively in buildings. However, manufactured particleboard and other wood-based panel products are seldom evaluated for resistance to attack by subterranean termites. Because termites are cryptic, and severe damage often occurs but remains undetected until structural wood components are beyond repair, it is important to know the susceptibility or resistance of these materials to damage by termites [9]. As termites forage on cellulosic resources they can cause damage to living trees and many crop plants, but the fact that they can use dead wood makes them a major pest for timber used for construction purposes both outdoors and inside buildings. They are known to cause damage to buildings throughout the tropics, sub-tropics and temperate regions and have an increasing economic impact when present [10]. One factor that limits the utilization of wood for various end products is, without a doubt, its low natural durability. Knowledge of the natural resistance or susceptibility of wood is therefore of fundamental importance for recommendations concerning its most appropriate uses, particularly in the furniture and civil construction industries. Not only does this help to avoid unnecessary costs for the replacement of parts, but it also reduces the impact on residual forests by reducing deforestation [11]. Due to the organic nature of its constituent polymers, wood can have its durability compromised by a variety of biological, physical and chemical agents. By virtue of its structure and chemical composition, it suffers from attacks by various deteriorative organisms, principally fungi and termites [12]-[15]. Termites use wood as food and as a physical medium for shelter and nesting, and thus, in any circumstance, they cause damage to the wood. In contrast to fungi, termites destroy wood by burrowing in the wood structure to create galleries, consequently altering its mechanical resistance. The present study was aimed to observe the percentage damage of different stakes and the rate of infestation, by different termites. Such work may have Paper ID: SEP14351 1457