FIELD-EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A SLEEVE OF STAINLESS-STEEL MESH TO PROTECT WOODEN POLES AGAINST SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES (ISOPTERA)

A field trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a sleeve of stainless steel mesh for protecting in-situ power poles from subter ranean termite damage. Ten plots, each consisting of 4 pine poles and 4 hardwood poles, were established in an area of high termite risk wit hin Beerburrum State Forest, south-east Queensland and, Australia. Tre atments used were: a control, a 1.0m mesh sleeve, a 1.5m mesh sleeve a nd a 1.0m mesh sleeve on polyethylene sheeting. The poles were approxi mately 2.4m in length and were buried to a depth of 2m. Assessments we re made at 3 and 6 months with the help of 2 monitoring devices attach ed to each pole. At 14 months, 23 selected poles were removed and asse ssed for termite activity. Termite damage to hoop-pine dowels within t he monitoring devices were indicative oftermite damage to the poles. T imber in slotted pipes was used to monitor termite activity in the tes t area and may have application in termite bait technology in urban si tuations. The sleeves did not prevent subterranean termite damage to t he poles. Damage to the pole often extended upwards underneath the sle eve from its open lower end. There was no evidence of termites penetra ting the mesh directly or through the lap joint, or of any corrosion o f the mesh. The results from this study, with regard to the depth of f oraging by subterranean termites, have implications for the effectiven ess of retrofitted physical and chemical barriers in general. A mesh b arrier may enhance the likelihood of termite contact with a bait place d in the soil on the circumference of a pole, and is worth further inv estigation. The value of field testing potential barrier systems under conditions of high subterranean termite risk is clearly demonstrated.