Estimated Losses Caused by Wood Products Insects During 1970 for Single-Family Dwellings in 11 Southern States

Abstract

In 1970, owners of single-family dwellings in 11 southern States spent an estimated $143 million (1976 dollars) to prevent and control subterranean termites and wood-destroying beetles. Losses incorporated into this estimate include: $79.4 million for corrective or remedial termite treatments, $13.8 million for preventive or pretreatment of termites, $12.9 million for remedial beetle treatments, and $37.0 million for contract renewals or damage insurance. Depending upon remedial costs and termite damage repair costs, an additional $12.3 million to $19.5 million for treatment and $38.6 million for damage repaired by someone other than the pest control industry could be added to the loss estimate. Also, the estimate would be increased significantly by adding losses in multifamily dwellings and nonresidential construction. Although loss from replacement of termite-damaged wood probably has decreased, expanded research application efforts can reduce losses further if current termite prevention and control measures remain available.

Citation

Williams, Lonnie H.; Smythe, Richard V. 1979. Estimated Losses Caused by Wood Products Insects During 1970 for Single-Family Dwellings in 11 Southern States. Res. Pap. SO-145. New Orleans, LA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station. 16 p.