This paper describes an apparatus for rapid assessment of barriers to subterranean termite foraging. The method and apparatus arose from the development of a novel physical termite barrier. The barrier had to be flexible, resilient, able to be applied as a liquid and be neither toxic nor repellent. This posed a special problem as existing laboratory assessment techniques did not offer a sufficient incentive for termites to challenge the test samples. Previously developed laboratory methods of exposing a candidate barrier material provided either (i) only chance and incidental contact with the termites with termite damage restricted to the edges or (ii) an unnatural situation where termites were attempting escape. A method was required that would reliably provide sustained contact and challenge the termites to penetrate the test sample. Observation of termite attack on structures provided a means to use the termites’ own foraging strategy to situate the barrier sample in a location of maximum termite activity. A high density of termites in a restricted space has feeding activity focussed so as to ensure sustained contact and challenge for the material under test. The focus of termite attention is achieved by providing the termites with a minimally sized timber dowel as a food source. The dowel is hollow which leads the termites to concentrate their feeding activity within its confines. The test sample is held at the distal end of the dowel, in a separate container.

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