SANParks.org Forums

Hi Pieter,
The topics we post here should be related to SANParks, I'm afraid the termites enjoying your hospitality don't fall under that category.
Sending SAHGCA-UCT a PM is a good idea.

As from all you have said here I certainly suggest that you get some expert advice that can guarantee you a solution and better still give you the right advice. The last thing I would like to see happening here is that your wife gets a asthma attack or you suffering even more damage to your home and surroundings as a result of the wrong information given by someone on the forum.

As I have mentioned earlier... You could not have received any piece more worse advice then Tobacco dust.

I recall a program on RSG once discussing your dilemma in detail with possible solutions. Maybe try and contact them for a copy of the program they had broadcasted.

I agree that its a integral part of nature, but I reckon you need sound advice on how to cope with this. Hope you understand.

Kind regards
W™.

I’m taking the risk to continue with the off-topic discussion above by recommending a more “eco-friendly” way to deal with a termite problem…..seeing that it might save a few birds or other creatures from poisoning I hope my transgression will be allowed.
By pure chance I found out that sunflower oil kills termites immediately. I have been controlling our termite problem in Marloth (the chemical way just did not keep them away) by opening the termite nests and pouring sunflower oil down the holes. The termites die within a few seconds and having used this method a few months now, it also appears they do not return to rebuild a nest.

I snapped this shot of ...the beginings a new mound

Imagine how long it takes to make one that engulfs trees

Over the weekend I found these tiny mounds (3-5cm high) around my pool. I left themto see what would happen. Well when I got home from work today I saw them, one by one exiting the mounds and flying off to the west. Can anyone give me info on these little chaps please. The full length of each on is not much more the 1cm including the wing length.

The mound with a couple of heads visible



One of them emerging



One out and ready to set flight

Thank you Sprocky

When I lived in the Free State, termites were a real problem. They would happily bour their way through our foundation, carpet and whatever available.

One day, in pure deseration, I bought a termite poison. I found a mound I laid the innocous looking pellets and waited.

For a long time I watched lots of frenetic activity, was drawn into the life of termites...then, suddenly there was nothing... the mound was nothing... it was dead.

I felt as though I had lost a peice of myself.... I could not believe the emptiness felt..

makes you think doesn't it?

These little chimneys look similar to the ones Sprocky has posted. Does anyone know the name of the inhabitants or can give any information on what is below ground. They emerge directly from the sandy roads in the south west area of KNP

Salamanda, to me they look exactly the same.

Great, well at least I now know what the inmates look like! Thanks Sprocky - great pics by the way!

Here is another one I photographed yesterday in the park. These guys seem pretty artistic when it comes to design.

Ho ! Sprocky, the last one is made of a colony of artist
veri nice, I saw some too, but normal one

Termite. "Flyers" that leave the nest after rains, when the ground is soft, to establish new colonies. And this usually, but not always, happens later in the afternoon. When they land the female releases pheronomes or some such to attract a male. She becomes the queen, he the king, and they establish a new colony.