> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://badixth-dc85e378.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Termites in Rubber

> Coptotermes curvignathus: the major termite pest of Malaysian rubber. Mud tubes on the trunk, hollowed collars, and immature-tree mortality. Detection and baiting protocols.

**Termites** (mainly *Coptotermes curvignathus*) are a serious pest of Malaysian rubber, especially on immature blocks (year 1 to 5) and on blocks near forest edges or old stumps. They tunnel into the root collar and trunk from the inside, often killing young trees before external symptoms appear.

## Cause

* **Old rubber stumps** or dead wood in the block (primary nesting sites)
* **Adjacent forest** or reserves
* **Newly-planted blocks** with tender bark
* **Dry season** stress that weakens tree defenses
* **Poor land preparation** (stumps left in the ground)

## Effect

| Stand age    | Effect                                                              |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 0 to 3 years | Sapling collar hollowed, tree snaps at ground level, high mortality |
| 3 to 7 years | Trunk galleries, weakened structure, wind-throw risk                |
| Mature       | Rarely fatal but reduces girth and yield                            |

Field signs:

* **Mud tubes** on the trunk running up from the ground (diagnostic)
* **Hollow sound** when tapping the trunk with a knife handle
* **Hollowed collar** revealed by scraping
* Sudden wilt of a young tree with no root disease sign
* Sawdust-like frass at the base

## Satellite signals

On immature blocks, cluster mortality shows as bare patches. Not detectable at Sentinel scale on mature stands.

## Action

<Steps>
  <Step title="Confirm on the trunk">
    Mud tubes on the trunk are diagnostic. Scrape the collar of any wilted young tree to confirm hollowing and termite presence.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Baiting stations (preferred)">
    Install termite bait stations (fipronil or chlorfluazuron-based commercial products) at the base of affected trees and around the perimeter. Bait is the modern standard because it eliminates the colony, not just individual foragers.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Soil drench (severe outbreaks)">
    For severe outbreaks, drench soil around the collar with **fipronil** or **imidacloprid** at label rates. Follow current MRB advisories and PPE requirements.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Remove nesting reservoirs">
    Uproot and burn old stumps, dead wood, and cut logs. This is the single most important preventive measure.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Boundary buffer">
    On blocks adjacent to forest, maintain a bait-station line along the boundary and inspect quarterly.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Recommended alert settings

| Trigger             | Condition                                           | Severity  |
| ------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | --------- |
| Scout report        | Mud tubes on any tree                               | High      |
| Immature cluster    | > 2 wilted year 0-3 trees in a 10-tree sample       | High      |
| Boundary inspection | Automatic quarterly reminder for forest-edge blocks | Automatic |

## Related

* [Bark scale](/guides/Crop/Rubber/biotic/insects/bark-scale)
* [White root disease](/guides/Crop/Rubber/biotic/diseases/white-root) (both spread from old stumps)
* [Field Walk Protocol](/guides/Crop/Rubber/field-walk-protocol)