Warming temperatures and urban development are creating ideal conditions for termites to expand into new territories. As temperatures increase due to climate change, destructive termites are predicted to invade cities from Miami to New York, as reported by Newsweek. This invasion could result in significant losses, as termites already cost the world an estimated 40 billion USD per year.
There are over 2,000 species of termites worldwide, exhibiting high diversity in behavior, size, and preferred habitat. Termites primarily feed on cellulose, the main component of wood, which they can digest with the help of symbiotic microorganisms in their intestines. Many termite species are invasive, such as the Taiwanese subterranean termites originating from East Asia, which have established populations throughout the United States, especially in the southern states, causing severe structural damage due to their large population size and rapid wood consumption.
A study by experts from Brussels City University, Belgium, modeled ten invasive termite species that could potentially spread to new territories in the future. The research found that with rising temperatures in the coming decades, termites are likely to expand further and inhabit more urban areas due to increased urbanization. This poses a significant risk to cities where large termite populations could cause damage to buildings, crops, and forestry.
The study reveals that many invasive termite species find suitable habitats in densely populated urban areas and surrounding regions within major economic zones worldwide. As climate change and socioeconomic development progress, these conditions become more favorable for termites to thrive. Urban environments with high population densities and extensive connectivity provide the perfect setting for termite invasions, potentially endangering cities across America.
Considering the global shipping network’s role in termite spread, shipping wooden furniture could transport termite populations worldwide. Nesting inside wooden furniture, termites can be transported from one region to another, increasing the risk of invasions. Researchers emphasize the importance of taking proactive measures to protect homes and infrastructure against termite invasions based on their findings and predictions.