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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 roofs 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 
wore 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 live 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 unexjjosed 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. 
