This termite Volume 2 comprises 13 chapters in an attempt to bring all available information on sustainable and eco-friendly termite management. The previous Volume considered the biology, social behaviour and economic importance of these insects. Chapters in this book dealing with damage and specific management of fungus-growing termites provide a review on most recent methodologies used for management. Termite damage crops from sowing till harvest. As it is difficult to detect damages in field, usually it is too late when the symptoms are noticed. A separate chapter on issues related to Indian agriculture and the contemporary practices being followed by majority of the Indian farmers is quite informative. Similarly, a case study for termites infesting Malaysian forests constitutes an important contribution. Various issues related to integrated and eco-friendly termite management in tropical conditions have been addressed comprehensively. Potential role of microbes has also been discussed in detail in other chapters. The information contained under these chapters should help termite management in a way that natural resources can be used and maintained for the generations to come. Similarly, the chapter on physical barriers contributes a wealth of information that can be useful all over the world where termite is a problem. Emphasis has been laid on reviewing contribution of synthetic chemical insecticides in termite management. A separate chapter dealing with standard norms in wood protection constitute a significant step in this direction. A further chapter throws light on the potential of biotechnology as a tool in management..

This Volume comprises 12 chapters in an attempt to bring available information on biology, social behavour and economic importance of termites. Chapters in this book dealing with termites identification provide a review on most updated information of their systematics. Ecologically, termites interact with living and non-living surroundings and deliver a wide range of behaviors. In a separate chapter termites ecology is examined and explored. Termites depend on their gut microbes for digestion of complex polysaccharides of wood into simpler molecules. Information provided on termite gut microbiome and lignocellulose degradation constitutes an important contribution. Termite biology and social behaviour have been addressed comprehensively. Trail pheromones are responsible for the orientation and recruitment of nestmates to the food sources. Once arriving at a potential food source, termites assess its quality using a different set of cues. A separate chapter on trail pheromones, cues used during foraging and food assessment, with preferences for foraging sites, contributes a wealth of information. Emphasis has been given on reviewing ecological benefits of termites in other chapters. The information with respect to termite species as an edible insect and the overall role it plays in food and nutrition security in Africa is quite informative. A separate chapter dealing with importance of termites and termitaria in mineral exploration constitutes a significant step in addressing the economic importance of this insect group.

The last overview of termites for the non-specialist was published several decades ago and in the intervening years, both knowledge, and the termites themselves have moved on. A 27-year eradication effort for one termite infestation in Devon has shown that UK structures are becoming vulnerable as the climate changes and also that extermination of a colony can be difficult even when there are no other termites waiting to invade. Heritage buildings often present even more problems. Survey work and treatments may be complicated by structural and material complexity overlain with a requirement to retain as much undisturbed and original fabric as possible. There will be concealed cavities not inspected, and inserted barriers, both chemical and physical, will inevitably be incomplete. This study discusses the modifiable environmental parameters that govern termite activity and offers a resume of the baits and chemical treatments that have been developed so that the most appropriate can be selected where necessary. It is primarily intended for those involved in conservation, both in the UK and elsewhere, who commonly have limited resources. It is hoped that it will also be of use to architects, surveyors and others with an interest in Heritage structures.

The book is a new compendium in which leading termite scientists review the advances of the last 30 years in our understanding of phylogeny, fossil records, relationships with cockroaches, social evolution, nesting, behaviour, mutualisms with archaea, protists, bacteria and fungi, nutrition, energy metabolism, population and community ecology, soil conditioning, greenhouse gas production and pest status.

A consumer-oriented and compact handbook written in plain English for a general audience with an interest in protecting their home against termites (and other timber pests such as borers). The revision brings the book right up to date, discussing new termite detection techniques, as well as treatment options for termite infestations.

Termites, otherwise, known as white ants, are soft-bodied social insects of the order Isoptera. Among the various types of termites, subterranean termites are abundant in many parts of the world and are the most destructive kind of termite. Termites mostly feed on dead plant material, generally in the form of wood, and they live in colonies. This book features about the microscopic fauna involved in the process of conversion of food of termites. Significance of termite mound is dealt in an extensive manner to understand its architectural impact and climate regulation mechanism. Damage caused by termites to trees and buildings are discussed in a comprehensive manner in this book along with the various management options available to tackle the problem of termites. Nutritive value of termites is also highlighted to stress the importance of termites as human food.