Kalotermes repandus

Systematic position: Kalotermes repandus belongs to the order Isoptera and the family Kalotermitidae. These insects are classified as drywood termites, which are distinct from subterranean species because they do not require contact with the soil to survive, living entirely within their host plant.

Host plants: This pest primarily targets woody plants, including various fruit trees and ornamental species. It prefers mature, established trees, particularly those that have suffered from pruning wounds, frost damage, or other stresses that expose the inner wood to colonisation.

Biology and lifecycle: The termite colony lives hidden inside the plant. The cycle involves egg, nymph, and adult stages, including specialized castes such as soldiers and reproductives. They exhibit a slow growth rate, and a single colony can inhabit a tree for many years without showing significant signs on the exterior surface.

Damage patterns and economic impact: The damage is internal, consisting of complex tunnel networks throughout the sapwood and heartwood. This causes the host plant to lose its structural integrity and disrupts the flow of water and nutrients. In severe cases, the tree becomes hollowed out, leading to collapse or death.

Control measures: Controlling Kalotermes repandus requires a combination of cultural and chemical strategies. Cultural practices involve removing dead wood and maintaining the overall health of the tree to prevent initial entry. Chemical control often requires professional intervention, involving drilling into galleries to apply residual insecticides directly into the infested areas.