The Biosecurity Authority Fiji says their efforts will only gain significant leverage when the public contributes towards stopping the spread of Asian Subterranean Termites.

While reaffirming that AST project is fully active, BAF is urging the public to play their part.

Head of Communications, Riten Gosai says a biosecurity emergency is in place for Lautoka and Labasa as these are termite infested districts.

Gosai says its termite swarming season between end of August and mid-November and people in these areas need to take heed of the warnings.

“When we say termites, we are specifically referring to the Asian Subterranean Termite which is an exotic and invasive species of termite in Fiji. So there is a particular time of the year when some of the termites develop wings and then fly in swarms from their colonies basically to reproduce.”

BAF is requesting the public to close all windows and doors from 6.30pm to 8pm and light small fires in a controlled area outside their homes so that the termites get attracted to it and burn themselves.

Asian Subterranean Termites get attracted to light so people should also switch off all lights outside their homes and use minimal lightings inside.