Potential economic costs of invasive structural pests: conehead termites,Nasutitermes corniger, in Florida

Abstract

Increased trade and human mobility result in sizable benefits to society, but are often accompanied by negative consequences, such as increased introduction of invasive pests to different landscapes and seascapes. In this paper, we couple an existing model of the biological spread of Nasutitermes corniger, an invasive neotropical termite recently introduced to Florida, with information on the costs to treat and repair affected structures, and use this coupled model to simulate the potential short-term costs of establishment of this structural pest. We construct empirical distributions of control and repair costs, using surveys of the pest control industry and homeowners, and use them to simulate treatment and damage costs through a re-sampling procedure. Our results suggest that the net present value of potential costs from an unchecked N. corniger invasion in Florida range between $6.9 and $9.9 million over the next 10 years.

Effect of teak wood on recycled HDPE/pine wood composites subjected to termite attack and accelerated weathering

“…Several studies have investigated the resistance of WPC to termite attack. [8][9][10][11][12][13]20,21 Some of these studies have focused on determining the weight loss of materials due to termite activity, as well as its relationship with termite mortality and its effects on physical, mechanical, and chemical properties. [1][2][3]6 Other works have explored the impact of weathering and termite attack on the properties of exposed WPC.…”

“…12,13 In many of these studies, termites of the species Nasutitermes corniger were used, as they can feed on almost any source of lignocellulosic material. 20,21 A notable characteristic of these termites is their ability to relocate their nests after an event that has damaged or destroyed their original nest, and they can remain hidden for extended periods as long as they have access to food and water. 20 Selecting the right type of wood flour is a sustainable way to reduce biotic degradation in WPC.…”

“…20,21 A notable characteristic of these termites is their ability to relocate their nests after an event that has damaged or destroyed their original nest, and they can remain hidden for extended periods as long as they have access to food and water. 20 Selecting the right type of wood flour is a sustainable way to reduce biotic degradation in WPC. The natural durability of wood varies from species to species and from different parts of the tree.…”

Public Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Invasive Forest Pest Prevention Programs in Urban Areas

“…), an invasive perennial grass that can survive disturbance events such as fire, flooding, and drought, results in an annual loss of $35 million to the state's forestry sector [19]. The arboreal conehead termite (Nasutitermes corniger Motschulsky), native to South America and the Caribbean, has become established in South Florida, with estimated costs to homeowners ranging between $6.9 and $9.9 million over 10 years [20]. Human health can also be threatened by the introduction of invasive plants in Florida, such as the Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.)…”

Evolution of the "Castanea sativa" - "Dryocosmus kuriphilus" - "Torymus sinensis" - system in southern Switzerland

“…The invasion process of a species usually follows four distinct phases: arrival (e.g., introduction into new areas outside its native range), establishment (population becoming abundant enough, so that extinction is highly unlikely), spread (the expansion of the species in uninfested areas), and impact (negative effect on human health, economic interests, biodiversity, ecological integrity or natural environment) (e.g. Hulme 2006;Alvarez 2016). Consequently, different management approaches have been developed as function of the invasion phase: prevention (border controls and quarantine measures), early detection (monitoring programs, remote sensing, aerial photography), rapid response and eradication (removal of the whole initial population), control and containment (poisons, pesticides herbicides, biocontrol, …), restoration and mitigation (re-establishment of native species, restoring original ecosystem functions; Hulme 2006).…”