Challenges to subterranean termite management of multi-genera faunas in Southeast Asia and Australia

Termites are an important group of insect pests in the tropical Asia Pacific region. Due to the high diversity of termite species in this region, it is common to find several termite pest species co-existing and infesting buildings and structures. In Malaysia and Singapore, 12 species of subterranean termites from 7 genera (Coptotermes, Macrotermes, Microtermes, Globitermes, Odontotermes, Schedorhinotermes and Microcerotermes) can be readily found in and around buildings and structures, particularly in suburbia and rural settlements. Similar observations with species in the genera Coptotermes, Microcerotermes, Macrotermes, Hypotermes and Odontotermes are also recorded in urban and rural Thailand. Termites from 3 to 6 genera (Mastotermes, Coptotermes, Schedorhinotermes, Heterotermes, Nasutitermes and Microcerotermes) may be found co-existing as structural pests in Australia with the highest number of genera in the tropical north of the country. Since the introduction of baiting in Malaysia, secondary pest species are more frequently encountered. Following elimination of the principal pest species (Coptotermes spp.) with bait, it is not uncommon to find species from other genera such as Macrotermes and Schedorhinotermes infesting the same building or structure after several months. Most of these species, particularly those belonging to genera such as Macrotermes, Globitermes and Odontotermes from the higher termite (Termitidae), however, do not respond well to baits with paper-based matrices. Options for managing multiple genera termite pest faunas in the tropics are discussed.