The impact of chlorpyrifos ethyl (applied at a rate of 225 g a.i./ha) and fenitrothion (at 450 g a.i./ha), two insecticides commonly used to control desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria Forskål), on the activity of Psammotermes hybostoma Desneux, a subterranean, wood-eating termite, were assessed in the Tafidet Valley in the Aïr area, during July–December 2005. Termite activity was significantly reduced with chlorpyrifos and fenitrothion compared with unsprayed control plots. Termite activity was most affected 1–30 days (Interval I) after treatment and thereafter for a period up to 60 days (Interval II) . Chlorpyrifos ethyl was the more toxic insecticide, leading to 75 % and 73 % reduction in termite activity during Intervals I and II, respectively. Recovery of the termite population occurred 60 days after treatment, as reflected by resumption of feeding activity. Both insecticides showed no effect on termite activity from 75–90 days after treatment.