Management of Termite Pests in Three Public Services of Korhogo (North of Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Termites are becoming economic pests because of their appetite for wood and wood products in human dwellings and building materials. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of these insects on the activities of public services in the city of Korhogo, located in the north of Côte d'Ivoire. Termite attacks was investigated in 3 public services of the city. A survey was conducted to identify the control methods used against these pests. The results showed that termite pests represent a real problem. A total of 7 species of termites responsible for attacks were collected. These species belong to the wood-feeders, fungus-growers and grass-feeders group. The fungus-growers are the most involved in the observed attacks. Pseudacanthotermes militaris, which was involved in 54% of the attacks, was the most dangerous species. Termite attacks and damages were observed on doors, wooden shelves, ceilings, birth and marriage records. Surveys reveal that only chemical control is used in these services to control termites. A total of four pesticides were used to control termites in the three services visited. These were Cypercal 50 EC, K-Othrine® SC25, Actellic® 50 EC and Furadan 3G. Unfortunately, these products appear to be ineffective in some services. It is therefore important to take more effective and environmentally friendly measures to limit the impact of these insects on the activities of the public administrations of the town of Korhogo.