54 | Feature: Termites
Above left: A termite nest in a window jamb Above right: Termite damaged timber BOTH PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK
◄ of much lesser economic significance to buildings given that populations of drywood termites would be unable to be sustained outdoors in the UK and can be effectively treated locally indoors.
Subterranean termites are able to be imported on any cellulose-based material that has been imported from an area where subterranean termites have become established, such as susceptible timbers (particularly softwoods) including logs, stored timbers, crates and pallets. Drywood termites are most likely to be imported from areas of endemic infestation, such as the southern states of the US, the Caribbean, Africa or Asia, in timber items such as potted plants, furniture, musical instruments, boats, chests and ornaments. Even if subterranean termites were not detected during border inspections, successful establishment requires optimal conditions, which include lack of disturbance, preferably sandy soils, a source of moisture, appropriate temperatures and an adequate supply of cellulose-based food sources to sustain growing colonies.
While the biogeographic range of R flavipes in France, the nearest area of endemic infestation to the UK, continues to move northward and especially while infestations in Paris continue to expand, it is noteworthy that the south-east of England, the part of the UK nearest to France and with the highest frequency of transport between continental Europe and the UK, has predominantly loamy or clay loam soils. Such soils tend not to be as preferred, especially by the European indigenous species.
The fact that only a single established infestation in the UK has ever been detected is also a reflection of the rarity of establishment of subterranean termites. However, the continued rise in human transportation and trade, the northward expansion of subterranean termites in Europe, along with warming climates, all conspire to increase the risk of importation of both subterranean and drywood termites.
The risk of successful establishment of subterranean termites is increased where there are heat sources near or in the ground, such as with underfloor heating systems in
concrete slab-on-ground structures, especially those on which timber framing is present.
CALL TO ACTION
Professionals such as building surveyors, builders, horticultural industry workers, timber merchants as well as the public and gardeners, can help be vigilant over the possible detection of termites. A website has been prepared to help support awareness raising and includes a reporting proforma for submission of possible infestations: https://
www.bregroup.com/services/research/termite- monitoring-and-eradication-programme/ ■
Above: termite soldiers guarding the nest PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK TTJ | September/October 2021 |
www.ttjonline.com
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