Tenerife Council Moves to Contain Termite Infestation in Tacoronte

Efforts to contain a subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) infestation in Tacoronte have reached a critical stage. The Tenerife Island Council is now considering sealing off a plot of land in the La Caridad neighborhood, where infested plant debris has piled up. This move is designed to stop the spread of the wood-eating insects, which pose a serious threat to local buildings and historical structures.

This decision follows a meeting between the island’s Department of Environment, the company Tragsatec, and the Association of Those Affected by Subterranean Termites. Local residents have been calling for action and are urging authorities to keep the area cordoned off for five years—the time experts say is needed to ensure the termites are completely eradicated.

The emergency plan involves treating roughly 7,000 cubic meters of woody waste. Starting July 1, the material will be chipped, treated with biocides, and left to undergo controlled fermentation before being moved to the Arico Environmental Complex for final disposal. Additionally, the Island Council is addressing resident concerns about poor sanitary conditions at the site by carrying out rodent control and preparing a 300-square-meter concrete base to support the cleanup operations.

This situation highlights the challenges of managing invasive species in urban areas and the need for close cooperation between local and island authorities. While residents have expressed frustration over the initial response to the health risks, the Island Council maintains that these actions are a collaborative effort. Successfully eliminating the termites will require more than just removing the infested material; it will take ongoing, strict monitoring to ensure the pest does not spread further into the surrounding rural and urban areas of Tacoronte.