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RedR TSS

As usual, the first response would be to ask locally how they deal with the problem. If that is not effective you may wish to consider the following, however our experience is not extensive, being limited to eastern and western Africa.

https://www.sheltercentre.org/library/transitional+settlement+displaced+populations

Look at insect control in the index, or pages 258, 278, 284. A termite shield is usual, however this requires a continuous wall, or posts bolted to steel in concrete pads rather than in the ground (converting any block making capacity locally into a temporary pad foundation factory might work). Ensure that the angle of the shield overhang is 45 degrees and there is no break, especially at door sills. Also, termites tend not to like passing over plastic sheeting, especially if stretched as walling, as the tunnels they build on the surface to avoid the sunlight do not adhere easily to it.

A layer of ash is used in some cultures in mud walls, however I have no knowledge of its effectiveness, and it would need to be implemented carefully.

One other method for prevention is digging up and setting fires in the termite mounds in the area, ensuring that the queen is killed. Termite mounds have underground pathways that can run for a very long distance. This process needs to be continually monitored. Beware setting a bounty on termite queens, as they might come from any mound. Community participation can be effective, especially if picks and shovels are supplied (I also managed lunch from a feeding centre). Termite mound earth often makes excellent mud bricks.

Tom Corsellis