Climate Change and Urbanization Creating Ideal Conditions for Termite Expansion
Termite Threat
As temperatures rise due to climate change, destructive termites could potentially invade metropolises from Miami to New York, according to a study published in the journal Neobiota, as reported by Newsweek on May 1. This could lead to significant financial losses, given that termites already cause an estimated $40 billion in damage globally each year.
Termites cause extensive damage to homes and infrastructure annually. (Image: iStock)
Termite Diversity and Invasiveness
There are over 2,000 termite species on Earth, exhibiting wide variations in behavior, size, and preferred habitats. Termites primarily feed on cellulose, the main component of wood, which they can digest with the help of symbiotic microorganisms in their gut. Many species are invasive, including the Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus), which originated in East Asia and has established invasive populations throughout the United States, particularly in southern states, where it can cause severe structural damage due to its large colony size and rapid wood consumption rate. Invasive termites are responsible for significant economic losses to buildings, crops, and forestry, rapidly weakening wooden structures.
Urbanization Expanding Termite Habitats
In their study, researchers from the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium modeled the potential future distribution of 10 invasive termite species. They found that as temperatures rise in coming decades, termites will be able to spread further and will increasingly favor living in urban areas due to urbanization.
The results revealed that several invasive termite species could find suitable habitats in heavily urbanized zones and economic hubs on every continent except Antarctica. This trend is particularly pronounced under climate change and socioeconomic growth scenarios, which provide more favorable biological and infrastructural conditions for termites.
Urban Environments as Termite Hubs
Dense populations and the interconnected nature of urban environments provide ideal conditions for termite invasion, posing a particular threat to several US cities. C. formosanus, with its native range in warm temperate to subtropical zones, poses a specific risk to major cities in the southeastern United States.
Global Spread via Shipping Networks
Furthermore, termites can spread worldwide through international shipping networks, particularly through the transportation of wooden items. Colonies can embark on a transatlantic journey, moving from the West Indies to France, according to study co-authors Edouard Duquesne and Denis Fournier of the Université Libre de Bruxelles. Termite queens, attracted to light, can then initiate reproduction, establishing new invasive populations in dryland areas.
The researchers hope that their findings will help cities and policymakers take proactive measures to protect homes and infrastructure from termite infestations.
Summary
Rising temperatures and urban sprawl are creating optimal conditions for termites to expand into new territories, posing a significant risk to US cities. Invasive species like the Formosan subterranean termite have the potential to cause extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure, while shipping networks facilitate their global spread. Understanding these threats and implementing preventative measures will be crucial for safeguarding communities from costly termite infestations.