Tea termite

Postelectrotermes militaris is a significant insect pest belonging to the Kalotermitidae family. Widely recognized as the "tea termite," this species is highly specialized in colonizing the stems and branches of living tea bushes (Camellia sinensis), making it a major concern for tea production in tropical regions.

Unlike subterranean termites, this species is a dry-wood termite, meaning it does not require contact with the soil. Its life cycle is entirely completed within the wood of the host plant. The colony structure is typical for social insects, featuring a queen, king, soldiers, and immature workers that continue to expand the nest within the wood by carving out intricate galleries.

The damage caused by Postelectrotermes militaris is severe and often irreversible. By hollowing out the interior of the tea plant's branches and stems, the termites disrupt the plant's vascular system, hindering the transport of water and nutrients. This physiological stress leads to yellowing, reduced leaf production, and eventually causes the entire plant to collapse or die prematurely.

Identifying an infestation is often challenging because the outer bark remains intact, hiding the internal damage. Field experts look for signs such as the accumulation of fecal pellets (frass) near the base of the bushes or sudden fragility of branches during mechanical harvesting or pruning. Early detection is critical to preventing the spread of the colony to neighboring healthy plants.

Effective management requires a combination of cultural and chemical tactics. Agricultural practices such as removing and destroying infested bushes are the most reliable way to curb local population growth. While systemic insecticides are sometimes utilized, the sheltered nature of the termite's lifestyle makes chemical treatment difficult, reinforcing the importance of sanitation and monitoring as primary defense strategies.