Tenerife Launches Termite Threat Awareness Campaign

"Subterranean termites threaten Tenerife." This striking slogan, chosen by Tragsatec, aims to remind people about the damage these insects cause to the island and its surroundings. The phrase is paired with a powerful, almost frightening, image of Tenerife crafted from wood.

"That's exactly what we wanted," says Juan Pestano, head of Tragsatec's actions and projects group. He was talking about the bold communication campaign designed to "alert people" to the continuing problem of these termites. The campaign cost about 50,000 euros, which Pestano admits is "a tiny amount compared to the four million euros for the whole project to get rid of the subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes), led by the Cabildo de Tenerife."

Pestano believes the campaign highlights a genuine threat. "What we're saying is true. Subterranean termites are a danger to the island and to people's homes, as we've always stated," he explains. He adds, "For some odd reason, people seem to have lost interest in termites, even those who should be worried. It's like they think, 'If termites aren't eating my kitchen, I don't care.'"

The communication campaign will run in three short bursts. The first is already happening, with ads on bus shelters, media banners, social media, and Google. Depending on how well this goes, the next two phases might be adjusted, but the plan is for them to launch in the first quarter of next year and by mid-2026. Pestano also mentioned that a company was hired to refresh their social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube) "to keep the issue visible."

These communication efforts follow a new termite outbreak found in the La Caridad area of Tacoronte in early November. Pestano explained that public awareness was part of their original brief from the island council. "We noticed people had become less concerned because we treated the affected homes, so they weren't on high alert anymore," he said. The main goal is to make Tenerife residents aware of "a serious problem so they will work with us and understand that the insect is still present."

"If you live in a known termite area – identified years ago in Tacoronte, La Laguna, Arona, Adeje, and Santiago del Teide – you need to watch out for four key signs," advises the project head.

If you suspect you've found a termite outbreak, contact 610592064 or email info.termitas@tragsa.es. This service has been available since 2019, when the work to eliminate subterranean termites started. Pestano notes, "This number was indeed called when the recent outbreak in La Caridad occurred. People also use it to ask us to collect materials that might contain termites."