Tenerife Confronts Environmental Crisis: Six Million Square Metres Under Threat from Termites

The island of Tenerife is grappling with a serious environmental issue as subterranean termites invade and threaten an estimated six million square metres of land. This infestation poses not only a risk to the local ecosystem but also to the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure across the region.

Understanding the Scale of the Infestation

The subterranean termite, scientifically referred to as Reticulitermes flavipes, has been identified as a significant threat, impacting roughly 0.3% of Tenerife’s total land area. This statistic underscores the alarming extent of the infestation, raising concerns among environmentalists and local authorities alike about the long-term implications for the island’s biodiversity and economy.

Progress in Pest Management Initiatives

In response to this growing crisis, Tragsatec, the organization responsible for pest control, has made considerable strides over the past six years. They have successfully treated nearly 800,000 square metres across various municipalities, including La Laguna, where treatment has been administered over 22.7 hectares; Tacoronte, covering 44.5 hectares; Adeje, with 5.7 hectares treated; Arona, which has seen 1.9 hectares disinfected; and Santiago del Teide, where 1.3 hectares have been addressed.

Juan Pestano, who leads the actions and projects at Tragsatec, explained that the timeline for eradicating these pests can vary significantly, with an average elimination period ranging from six to nine months for each affected area. He highlighted that while some locations have successfully remained pest-free for extended periods, the overall process of eradication is gradual and requires continuous monitoring and intervention.

Infrastructure Supporting Eradication Efforts

To bolster ongoing extermination efforts, more than 21,500 eradication stations have been strategically established throughout Tenerife. Tacoronte stands out as the municipality with the highest concentration of these stations, boasting over 10,000, while Santiago del Teide has a considerably lower number, with only 425 stations in place. This extensive network of eradication stations is crucial for monitoring and controlling termite populations effectively.

Recent Developments in Termite Management

While the overall termite populations have remained stable, a new outbreak was identified in La Caridad, Tacoronte, in early November. This newly affected area is estimated to encompass around 200,000 square metres and is believed to have been active for approximately four years. Pestano reassured the public that other regions have maintained stability, with no new occurrences reported for some time, indicating that the management strategies are having a positive impact.

Effective planning has been a cornerstone of the ongoing efforts to manage the termite situation. Pestano elaborated that while routine monitoring and maintenance work continues, immediate action is taken when new outbreaks are detected, such as the recent case in La Caridad. This proactive approach is essential to prevent the spread of the infestation to other areas.

Challenges Posed by the Infestation

The subterranean termite is notorious for its destructive capabilities, particularly its ability to damage wooden structures. First identified in Tacoronte in 2017, the eradication efforts officially commenced in 2019, with a strong focus on the most severely affected areas. Despite the ongoing interventions, the process of complete eradication remains slow and requires sustained effort and resources.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the termite eradication service was classified as essential by the Cabildo of Tenerife, allowing operations to continue uninterrupted. By the following year, reports indicated that the infestation in Tacoronte was under control; however, projections suggested that complete eradication efforts could extend another five to ten years, potentially lasting until 2032. New outbreaks were also reported in Adeje and Arona in 2022, highlighting that the threat of termites continues to loom over the island.

Key points

• The subterranean termite affects approximately six million square metres in Tenerife.
• Tragsatec has treated nearly 800,000 square metres since 2019.
• Over 21,500 eradication stations have been established across the island.
• A new outbreak was detected in La Caridad, covering an estimated 200,000 square metres.
• The termite is considered one of the most destructive pests due to its wood-destroying capabilities.
• The pest eradication service was deemed essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Projections suggest ongoing eradication efforts could last until 2032.