BAF Declares Termites Eradicated in Nakasi and Rakiraki

The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji has declared Asian subterranean termites eradicated from affected areas in Nakasi and Rakiraki following treatment operations and post-treatment surveillance.

The invasive termites were first detected in Nakasi in September 2023 and Rakiraki in January 2024.

BAF Acting Chief Executive Officer Surend Pratap described the outcome as an important achievement for the affected communities and Fiji’s biosecurity system.

He said efforts remain focused on Ciriwai, Sigatoka, where Asian subterranean termites were detected in January 2025. Treatment, inspections and surveillance are continuing there.

“We are encouraged by the progress, but eradication there will only be declared when surveillance provides sufficient evidence that the termite population has been eliminated,” Pratap said.

BAF Chief Plant Protection Officer Nitesh Datt credited sustained fieldwork and cooperation from residents for the results in Nakasi and Rakiraki.

He said eradication required officers to locate infestations, treat affected sites and continue monitoring to confirm termite activity had ceased.

BAF says it is applying lessons from both areas to the ongoing response in Ciriwai. Residents’ cooperation with property access, reporting and controls on the movement of potentially infested materials remains essential.

Routine vigilance will continue in Nakasi and Rakiraki, with residents urged to report swarming termites near lights, discarded wings or mud tubes on walls and timber.

Residents should seek BAF advice before moving potentially infested materials from affected areas.

Suspected termite activity can be reported on 5994 in Suva, 5996 in Lautoka or 5993 in Labasa. Photographs and location details can also be emailed to info@baf.com.fj.