168 



These coolies are however not aware that only one kind of Termite 

 attacks rubber, nor are they acquainted with the burrows of this 

 species. 



That Tamil coolies are capable of distinguishing T. gestroi and its 

 burrows has been proved to me at Kawla Selangor, for on explaining to 

 them by a series of practical demonstrations the several differences, 

 they were not only very clever in'discovering the burrows and following 

 them, but were able to recognise T. gestroi at a glance. 



By far the most difficult question is to deal effectively with this 

 serious pest in old estates. Here the roots of the large trees hinder 

 coolies endeavouring to discover the burrows to such an extent as to 

 place this method beyond practical use on estates with a heavy clay 

 soil. In the lighter soils however I have found that the burrows may 

 be satisfactorily followed. 



With old trees the method at present taken against the ravages of 

 T. gestroi is to expose the roots and apply various poisons. 



A large series of experiments were conducted in the Kuala Kangsa 

 district on trees about 9 years old. The results of these experiments 

 show it is only by systematically and persistently repelling the attacks 

 of this insect that any measure of success can be attained. 



Where these experiments were conducted small localized areas 

 were severely troubled with T. gestroi, and about 12 coolies were daily 

 employed in examining the trees. 



Among many other insecticides tried were various mixtures of 

 Kerosene applied to the roots and exterior of the tree, and on one 

 occasion an application of kerosene emulsion made as follows repelled 

 the attacks for nearly 6 weeks. 



Kerosene 1 gall. 

 Water 1 gall. 

 Soap i lb. 



Boil the water and dissolve soap in this. While boiling hot add 

 to Kerosene slowly, churning meanwhile ; continue to mix thoroughly 

 for at least 5 minutes. Dilute with 6 galls, water before using. 



This method although the most satisfactory yet discovered is not 

 entirely satisfactory, as it tends to make those termites which escape, 

 burrow into the interior of the tree by way of the unexposed roots, and 

 further its application is not invariably successful. 



The fault usually lies in not removing sufficient earth from the 

 roots. I would advise that the earth be removed within a five foot 

 radius, and to a depth varying proportionately with the depth to which 

 the tap root extends. 



A tree dealt with in the above manner naturally has its hold in the 

 ground considerably weakened, and the roots should not be allowed to 

 remain unexposed for more than a week, during which time a daily 

 inspection must be made. 



Such a treatment must be immediately repeated if heavy rain falls 

 soon after the mixture is applied. 



Hollow trees must be dealt with by boring into their trunks until 

 the hollow portion is reached. 



