Thousands of Australian school children are being asked by CSIRO to take part in a nationwide tally of termites.

"Termites are a well known and well studied insect," said Termite Tally Co-ordinator Rebecca Scott, "but there's never been a comprehensive national survey of where they are active.

"The Termite Tally will enable entomologists to compile a termite hazard map of Australia, and pinpoint areas that need special termite control."

"Volunteer members of CSIRO's Double Helix Science Club will investigate a random sample of twenty to thirty houses (and gardens) in their area," said Ms Scott. "We're asking householders to help our volunteers by filling in a questionnaire.

"If there are termites present, specimens will be sent to CSIRO termite expert Dr John French of the Division of Forestry and Forest Products."

According to Ms Scott, termites are not all bad. Sometimes, she says, people panic unneccessarily when they see one. Of the nearly four hundred species, only about twenty attack wood in buildings; the rest feed mainly on grass or soil, and play a vital role in the natural cycle of growth and decay.

Termite Tally information will be very valuable to local government authorities, and the building and timber industries, to enable them to make informed decisions. This could lead to cost savings in house construction, said Ms Scott.

"The Termite Tally is also a genuine scientific experiment which involves young people in important field research work," said Ms Scott. "As well as this, the Double Helix members are ambassadors for science in the community."

CSIRO's Double Helix Science Club has more than 20,000 members. Previous Double Helix experiments have involved national surveys of earthworms, fruit flies, and dung beetles.

More information from: Ms Rebecca Scott 06-2766639, 018 622 653
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