The Government has launched operation Kadivuka to contain and eradicate the termite outbreak in Lautoka.

More than 120 households will be targeted in the first three weeks of the Operation which starts later this week and will see the engagement of 120 personnel from various Government ministries and departments.

The Operation will also include officers from the National Fire Authority.  

Engineers from the Public Works Department led by divisional engineer works Manasa Lesuma have also been roped in to assist in the removal of walls infested with the deadly termite.

Ratucicivi said among areas to be targeted are Tomuka, Tavakubu, Naikabula, Natabua, Saru, Tawatawa, and Vitogo Paipai.

He said residents in these areas should be expecting bio-security officers within the next few days.

Ratucicivi said the deadly termites build their colonies six to 18 feet underground and around a 300ft radius.

Residents in Lautoka, who think the termite may be in their houses, have been advised to refrain from disturbing its colonies as the termites are easily enraged.

They are also attracted to light and fly only at night.

As a precautionary measure members of the public are advised that all bio-security officers are wearing identification cards and home owners should demand to sight these cards before allowing them entry. A consent form will also need to be signed by the home owner.