The Cabildo has acknowledged that there was negligence in the work to control underground termites in La Caridad (Tacoronte). This implicit recognition was made during a meeting with the Association of Victims of Underground Termites to assess the current state of efforts to contain the spread of the invasive species and to minimise its environmental impact on affected areas. Among the agreements reached, it was decided to install more bait stations and enlarge the perimeter and fencing due to the “significant environmental risk.”
Representing the Cabildo were the Natural Environment Advisor, Blanca Pérez, along with three technicians and the manager from Tragsatec, the company responsible for control measures. The Association expressed their concern regarding the management of contaminated material and the current control measures in place.
Agreements Made During the Meeting
One of the agreements was the review of the perimeter near the location where the contracted gardening company of the Tacoronte Town Hall has deposited pruning waste. It was announced during the meeting that the entire area would be re-inspected to determine if there are points where control bait was not installed and, if necessary, to install new devices to reinforce the containment barrier against underground termites.
Regarding the work on the infrastructure for treating infested wood, a covered platform is being set up to allow for a more secure process of chipping all the affected wood that has been invaded by termites. Technicians estimate that the operational treatment phase for the accumulated material could start on July 1. The plan includes chipping, applying biocides, and a controlled fermentation process. Once these stages are completed, the remains will be removed and transported to the Environmental Centre for final management.
The scale of the operation is reflected in the volume of material accumulated, estimated at 7,000 cubic metres of abandoned wood. This significant amount raises concerns among affected residents due to the potential risk of the pest spreading if prompt action is not taken under strict safety controls.
Intervention by Seprona at the Dump
The situation at the unofficial dump, which contains part of the infested wood, was inspected on Monday by agents from the Nature Protection Service of the Civil Guard (Seprona). Among the concerns raised was the absence of an impermeable base, which would have hindered direct contact between the termites and the ground, thereby reducing the risk of expansion into the subsurface.
In this location, the Cabildo reported that it initiated a rat eradication operation, which was undertaken by the island institution due to the lack of prior intervention from the gardening company and the Tacoronte Town Hall, according to the affected residents.
The parties evaluated the need for additional physical isolation measures in the affected area. Specifically, there was a recognised need to have fenced and sealed off the area where the wood containing termites is stored, a measure that, in the opinion of those affected, would have helped to reduce the associated environmental risks from the pest’s spread.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring the planned actions and to maintain coordination between the authorities, technicians, and affected residents. The common goal remains to prevent the spread of underground termites and ensure that the treatment of the thousands of cubic metres of contaminated wood is conducted with the highest environmental and safety standards.
