American Cities Face Mass Termite Invasion, Scientists Warn

Invasive termites that can munch their way through your home might be expanding into new territories, thanks to climate change.

As temperatures climb due to the effects of the changing climate, highly destructive termites could start invading urban cities from Miami to New York, according to a new paper in the journal Neobiota.

This could be catastrophically expensive, as termites already cost $40 billion every year.

There are over 2,000 known termite species worldwide, with a large diversity in terms of behavior, size, and habitat preferences. Termites primarily feed on cellulose, a major component of wood, which they are able to digest with the help of symbiotic microorganisms in their guts.

Many of these species are invasive, including the Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus), which is originally from East Asia. These termites have established invasive populations across the U.S., particularly in the southern states, where they can cause severe structural damage due to their large colony size and rapid wood consumption rates. Invasive termites are responsible for considerable economic damage to buildings, crops, and forestry, and can undermine wooden structures rapidly.

In the paper, researchers from the Université libre de Bruxelles in Belgium modeled how 10 species of invasive termites would spread across territories in the future. They found that as temperatures rise in the coming decades, termites will spread further, and be more prone to living in urban areas thanks to increasing urbanization.

"Our findings reveal that numerous invasive termite species could find suitable habitats in heavily urbanized and connected areas within major economic regions of every continent (excluding Antarctica). This trend is particularly evident as climate change and socioeconomic development intensify, providing more favorable bioclimatic conditions and human infrastructure for many species," the researchers wrote in the paper. "Moreover, land-use changes – whether driven by urbanization or deforestation for agriculture – profoundly shape species distribution."

The dense populations and interconnectedness of an urban sprawl provide the perfect environment for termites to invade, putting several U.S. cities at risk.

"Coptotermes formosanus, with a warm temperate to subtropical distribution, presented heightened risk in large cities of south-eastern U.S.," they wrote.

Additionally, termites are able to travel the world via the global shipping network, especially the transport of wooden furniture.

"A solitary termite colony, nestled within a small piece of wood, could clandestinely voyage from the West Indies to your Cannes apartment. It might lurk within furniture aboard a yacht moored at the Cannes Film Festival marina," study co-authors Edouard Duquesne and Denis Fournier, both researchers at the Université libre de Bruxelles, said in a statement. "Mating is coming. Termite queens and kings, attracted by lights, may initiate reproduction, laying the groundwork for new colonies to conquer dry land."

The paper reveals that termite spread hinges on bioclimatic and connectivity variables, meaning that in a future with increased temperatures and increased globalization, these termites may spread far and wide.

"Our models demonstrate the potential of these invasive termites to thrive in large urbanized and connected areas within tropical and subtropical regions and to a lesser extent within temperate regions. As climate changes and urbanization intensifies, most species' range could expand, particularly under a "fossil fuel-driven development" scenario," the researchers wrote in the paper.

"Furthermore, while some species may have a slightly reduced range, they could extend their presence into more urbanized and connected areas, increasing the risks and costs associated with termite damages. Our models highlight the anticipated role of growing connectivity and climate change dynamics in facilitating the widespread proliferation of invasive termites in the coming years," they said.

The researchers hope that these findings will help spark action from cities and policymakers to protect homes and infrastructure against termites.

"Citizens can play a crucial role by leveraging technology, such as AI-assisted apps like iNaturalist, to detect and report potential termite sightings, turning ordinary residents into vigilant guardians of their environment," Duquesne and Fournier said in the statement.

"As we confront the challenges of a rapidly changing climate, awareness and proactive measures are our best defense against the creeping menace of invasive termites."

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