Gangnam Housing Termites... Are They Really Invasive Species That Chew Wood and Collapse Houses?

Ministry of Environment Field Investigation Results... Emergency Control Implemented
"No Signs of External Inflow, Presumed Habitat in Door Frame"

Recently, the termites discovered in a house in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, have been tentatively identified as an invasive species that damages wooden structures by gnawing even on wood without moisture.

On the 19th, Yonhap News reported that the Ministry of Environment, after observing the termites under a high-powered microscope, confirmed that the termites in the Gangnam-gu house belong to the family Kalotermitidae and the genus Cryptotermes. Genetic analysis of the termites is also underway, and it is expected to take about a week to complete the identification (the process of accurately determining the taxonomic position and species information of the organism). The Ministry of Environment also conducted emergency pest control measures.

Termite of the genus Cryptotermes, family Kalotermitidae, found in a house in Gangnam-gu, Seoul [Image source=Yonhap News]

The presence of the termites was first reported on the 17th when a netizen posted photos on an insect board within an online community, stating that dozens of unknown insects had appeared in their home. Other netizens who saw the photos suggested that these insects appeared to be termites belonging to the Kalotermitidae family, which is not native to Korea, and urged the poster to report the matter to the authorities promptly. Following this, the National Institute of Biological Resources and the National Institute of Ecology began an investigation the next day after receiving the report.

The exact route of termite introduction has not been determined. The Ministry of Environment explained, "No evidence of external introduction has been found, so it is presumed that the termites inhabited and moved within the indoor wooden door frame (sash)," and plans to conduct an epidemiological investigation in the future.

Some have expressed concerns that a colony might have already been established in the area where the termites were found; however, it is highly unlikely at this point. Besides the initial reporter, no additional reports have been made, and no entry points for termites from outside were found in the house where the termites were discovered.

A representative from the National Institute of Ecology, who conducted the on-site investigation, stated, "The reporter initially thought the termites had come from outside, which caused some misunderstanding, but they later corrected this as a misconception," adding, "It appears to be a temporary incident of termites found in a single house."

The recently discovered Kalotermitidae family, Cryptotermes genus termites do not harm humans but are a global nuisance as they gnaw on wood, causing wooden structures to collapse. Unlike other termites native to Korea that live in moist environments, these termites can endure dry environments without moisture and can survive without contact with the ground.

The Ministry of Environment urges that if invasive termites are found, they should be reported immediately to the National Institute of Ecology's Invasive Species Reporting Center.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.