The Asian Subterranean Termites termite baiting program was officially launched yesterday with a house in Lovu Crematorium Rd in Lautoka being the first to have the baiting system installed.
Termite Taskforce co-chairperson Sashi Kiran said it was important for the entire 775 homes that got assistance to start with the baiting process.
“Flick Hygiene was the one that won the government tender,” she said.
“Today they have started baiting the homes that have qualified for the assistance.
“It’s important that the entire 775 homes that have got the assistance actually start with the baiting process to make sure that whatever new timber and all they are putting in does not get eaten.
“The government is paying for these baiting systems. It will be put into the homes and will be heavily monitored by Flick Hygiene through data and also through biosecurity to make sure that there is no termite left.”
Ms Kiran said they were encouraging people to bait their entire compound and surrounding areas.
“The colonies live underground and there is still a risk of reinfestation if it does not get baited.
“So, the government is paying for thousands of homes to get baited within the Lautoka City area as a pilot and learning from this, we will be able to extend the baiting process throughout the country.
“We are also working with different pest companies to try and get baits available in Fiji.
“A couple of companies have started registering termite baits and hopefully at very reasonable prices where anybody and everybody can afford it.
“The way the termites are managed in places like Queensland, Australia is that, every home is baited.
“And homeowners take responsibility to bait it every year so that their homes are not damaged.”
Ms Kiran said some properties in Lautoka had reduced their sale prices because of the extensive damage by the termites.
“So, every homeowner will have to take responsibility and make sure their properties are baited in the long run.
“And we will run education programs to see how people can bait, they can understand what the baiting processes are, they will be able to purchase bait and bait it on an ongoing basis.
“Initially the government is assisting because the problem has been there for such a long period, and it has done extensive damage.”
