Termites are well established in the Azores and already a plague of dimensions appreciated in urban areas. Based on current knowledge it is impossible to eradicate the termites of the Azores. Currently four species of termites are known in the Azores: a dry wood termite Cryptotermes brevis, the living wood termite Kalotermes flavicollis, and two subterranean termites, Reticulitermes grassei and Reticulitermes flavipes. Whatever the infestation strategy all these species will cause great economic losses to the Azores, and the ways of fighting and different management for the three species. Based on scientific research carried out last year for the kind of dry wood termite Cryptotermes brevis, it becomes clear that two of the key management strategies include: 1) prevent the dispersal of individuals between the buildings; 2) educate people to deal with the management of winged insects.
Thus, it is very important to constantly monitor the presence of new foci of infestation. The public buildings are particularly vulnerable, since they are located in areas of high infestation, Horta, Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroísmo.
Aims:
a) Monitoring work and location of dry wood termite attacks on all floors and roofs of buildings Palace Capitães Generais at Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira), Palácio da Conceição, Palácio de Sant´Ana and Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo in Ponta Delgada (S. Miguel)
b) Indicate solutions for resolving attacks by termites and other wood decay.
Azorean Government, Direção de Serviços de Infraestruturas e Equipamentos (Secretaria Regional do Turismo e Transportes).
