Traditional Knowledge on Termite Control in North Kerala, India and Their Preliminary Laboratory Screening

Abstract

Termites are one of the most destructive insect pests of buildings across the world. Though chemical termiticides are widely used for controlling termites, it has many limitations for indoor use. Thus, an attempt was made to collect the traditional knowledge on termite control in Northern Kerala, and to test out the promising methods in the laboratory. Thirty houses each were surveyed in three geographical areas- Highland, Midland and Coastal area. Questionnaire survey was done for collecting information on the control methods adopted or known by the homeowners. The study showed that all the 90 homeowners are aware of at least one traditional method of termite control and 54 among them attempted controlling the termites using any of such methods. Ten traditional control methods were selected for preliminary screening in the laboratory of which seven were disproved. The three materials that gave positive results included Kerosene (undiluted), salt solution (1:1 in water) and Acrostichum aureum (The Golden Leather Fern). But these results only have indicative value and requires further detailed studies to understand better. The scope of present study was limited to collection of traditional knowledge and their preliminary screening mainly to falsify the ineffective methods.