Knowledge, attitude and practices of household people about termites in southern Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Management of the termites depends upon the basic knowledge of their biology and associated problems. In the current study an assessment of people knowledge about termites was done by asking questions related to termite biology, hosts, activity, and management options adopted by the people. Although all people were aware about termites and regarded them hazardous, a considerable numbers (54.25%) did not have knowledge about their colony set up and habitat. They had insufficient knowledge about termite’s hosts and their preference, and proper inspection of termite presence in houses. Among the preventive measures adopted against termites, majority of the people (46.7%) was using highly toxic and persistent insecticides in the houses. They did not know about the most recent technique like termite baiting. This lack of proper knowledge could be a hurdle in the effective management of termites. The results highlighted the need of proper guidelines regarding termite awareness and its management in a form of booklets, educational campaigns and short trainings.