The Government Council of the Canary Islands reached a decision yesterday, following a proposal from the Minister of Ecological Transition and Energy, Mariano Hernández Zapata (PP), to sanction an expenditure of 900,000 euros for the management and elimination of the invasive species Reticulitermes flavipes. This amount adds to the 100,000 euros previously allocated by the department, resulting in a cumulative total of one million euros for 2024.
This type of subterranean termite was first identified over a decade ago on the island and has caused considerable damage to residences, crops, and natural habitats since 2019. Presently, it can be found in areas of Tacoronte, Valle de Guerra (La Laguna), and Adeje.
The department emphasised that this budget allocation continues the funding provided in previous years, which has facilitated the establishment and coordination of policies, plans, programmes, and actions aimed at controlling and eliminating this pest. Among the key initiatives undertaken, the Ministry of Transition has engaged in all biannual Technical Tables convened by the Council, aiding in decision-making and control strategies. Furthermore, in the initial years of the programme, there has been significant collaboration in identifying and detecting the species and in conducting informational activities for residents in the impacted areas.
Through this concerted effort and the allocation of resources, the Government reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding the ecosystems of the Canaries, stressing that monitoring and technical assistance will continue to be vital components in the battle against this invasive species.
The Invasive Termite
Reticulitermes flavipes, commonly referred to as the invasive subterranean termite, is already classified as an invasive exotic species in the Spanish registry. Additionally, globally, it is acknowledged as a species with considerable invasive potential, capable of inflicting serious economic and environmental harm.
This species, which originates from America, was detected and identified in Tenerife around 2010, linked to an infestation affecting a collection of homes in the Tacoronte municipality. In the Canary Islands, this species establishes much larger and more widespread colonies compared to other regions and is also adept at consuming native flora. Over the past 14 years, efforts to eliminate this pest have significantly escalated.
