Towering termite mounds are a familiar sight across parts of Africa, while elsewhere these industrious insects are notorious for damaging homes and other wooden structures. They are most abundant in warm tropical and subtropical regions, with particularly high concentrations found in parts of the Americas, Southeast Asia, South America, Australia and southern Europe.
With its cool and often damp conditions, the UK may seem an unlikely place to encounter termites, but as one unlucky homeowner discovered, an infestation isn't impossible.
What do termites look like?
Termites can resemble pale ants, although they have straight antennae, thicker waists and four equal-sized wings when swarming, whereas ants only have two wings.
Measuring around 0.3 to 1.2cm in length, depending on their role within the colony, with 'worker' and 'soldier' termites smaller than the reproducing 'swarmer' termites.
The UK's only known termite colony
For many years, the UK was considered one of the few countries free from established termite populations – this changed in 1994 when a colony of termites was discovered in the coastal town of Saumur Road in Devon. The insects were identified as the western subterranean termite (Reticulitermes grassei), a species native to parts of France, Spain and Portugal.
Scientists believe the colony was accidentally introduced through imported timber or plant material from the 1920s or 1930s. Although the termites survived in the microclimate of south-west England, they remained confined to a relatively small area.
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The discovery prompted a major eradication programme involving regular monitoring and baiting, which continued until 2021 when experts declared the infestation had at last been successfully eliminated, making it one of the few documented cases of termite eradication anywhere in the world.
Why aren't termites common in Britain?
Termites thrive in warm environments where they can feed on wood and plant material year-round. Britain's cooler temperatures have traditionally limited their ability to establish large populations as many termite species are highly sensitive to cold weather, and prolonged freezing temperatures can be fatal to the colony.
Even species that can tolerate cooler climates often struggle to expand in regions where winters are harsh or food sources are limited. As a result, the UK's climate has historically acted as a natural barrier against widespread termite infestations.
Could climate change change that?
Scientists have suggested that rising temperatures could make parts of the UK more suitable for certain termite species in the future. Milder winters may improve the chances of introduced colonies surviving and spreading.
The western subterranean termite, the species previously found in Devon, is of particular interest because it already occurs in parts of western France with climates not dissimilar to southern England.
However, experts stress that the risk remains relatively low. Establishing a colony requires more than suitable temperatures; termites must also be accidentally introduced and find favourable conditions in which to reproduce and expand.
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Are termites harmful?
Termites play an important ecological role in many parts of the world, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients back into ecosystems. In tropical and subtropical regions, they are among nature's most important decomposers.
Problems arise when termites begin feeding on wooden buildings, fences and other structures as the species can cause extensive damage before their presence is detected, costing homeowners substantially each year.
What should you do if you spot termites?
Currently, termites remain one of Britain's rarest insects rather than one of its most troublesome pests, however, if you have found evidence of termites, experts recommend reporting the sighting to a pest control professional or relevant environmental authority.
