The Termite Bio Security taskforce has assured farmers in Lautoka that the termite infestation will not spread to their crops as the species is known to attack timber especially untreated timber.
With over seven hundred trees in Lautoka being surveyed and majority being confirmed to have been infested, the Taskforce has also received reports that the termites infestation has spread to cassava patches.
However, Taskforce Spokeswoman, Rosa Dalituicama said that their officers are currently trying to verify these reports, but stressed that these species are known to attack only timber.
She added that taking into account the closeness of homes in Lautoka, they are advising house owners and farmers to keep their compound clean and free from untreated timber lying around.
She added that for those trees and homes that have been affected by the new species of termites, base stations will be placed near them to stop the spread of infestation.
These base stations will be put near those trees and houses affected by termites once the chemicals arrive from abroad next week.
The Taskforce has been carrying out "Operation Kadivuka" for the past six weeks and have found out that of the over 4 thousand homes and schools tested - 1,225 have been infested by termites.
So far, students in Ahmadhiya Muslim School and Ami Chandra Memorial School, have had to use tents as their classrooms have been badly infested by termites.
