The Government has stepped up its fight against the invasive Asian Subterranean Termite, which continues to cause widespread damage to homes, farms, and public infrastructure across Fiji.
Speaking in Parliament last week, Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Tomasi Tunabuna said the destructive pest has become increasingly difficult to contain and remains a growing threat in several communities.
“Over the years, the spread of the invasive termite species known as the Asian Subterranean Termite has posed a growing threat to households, public infrastructure and community assets,” Mr Tunabuna said.
“This pest is highly destructive, difficult to contain once established, and capable of causing intensive structural damage.”
The Minister noted that infestations have been recorded in residential and commercial areas in Lautoka, Nadi and Labasa, where termites have compromised wooden structures, utilities and public buildings.
“Their ability to spread rapidly through soil and infested material continues to challenge our eradication efforts,” he said.
“Public awareness and early detection remain critical, and the Government has intensified its outreach through inspections, community trainings and technical advice.”
Mr Tunabuna said the agriculture sector faces significant risks, as termites also attack crops, plantations and farm structures.
“Termites do not limit themselves to damaging building structures — they also target crops, tree plantations and farm infrastructure,” he said.
“They damage roots, stems and young plants, reduce yield, threaten fruit trees and forestry species, weaken soil quality, and increase production costs for farmers.”
He added that long-term losses threaten food security and rural incomes, particularly in densely farmed or peri-urban areas.
To address the threat, the Government is implementing a multi-pronged response.
This includes enhanced surveillance through frequent inspections and high-risk mapping, targeted baiting programmes in hotspots, public training on safe treatment methods, strengthened quarantine measures restricting movement of timber, soil and other host materials, and ongoing research in partnership with local and international experts.
Mr Tunabuna said the Government is also working closely with local councils and community leaders to coordinate an integrated response.
He reminded Parliament that several regions have already been declared “Biosecurity Emergency Areas” under the Biosecurity Act 2008.
“Under this declaration, the movement of termites and any termite-hosting material such as soil, timber, wooden furniture, logs and even crops like mangoes, cassava, sugarc
