A Wireless System for Monitoring Termite Activity Using Electromagnetic Induction with Non-Looping Method

Abstract

Termites can cause severe economic damage in households, reservoirs, agriculture, and forests. Monitoring termite activity plays an important role in integrated termite management. A device for the automatic monitoring of termites with high accuracy and reliability is highly demanded. Here, we introduce Dekan electromagnetic induction with non-looping (DEMINL) method and a novel wireless system for the monitoring of termite activities. The system comprises of a termite bait station and a handheld reader. While the wood pieces in the bait station were consumed by termites, the device could generate alarm signals, which are sent to a signal reader (receiver) through radio frequency identification (RFID) and displayed on the handheld reader’s screen. Field tests at three locations over a two-year period showed an accurate detection rate of 97.5–98.5%. The DEMINL-based device demonstrated high accuracy and durability in detecting termites, making it suitable for termite monitoring in households, crop fields, forests, and reservoirs.