RETICULITERMES-LUCIFUGUS (ISOPTERA, RHINOTERMITIDAE), A PEST OF WOODEN STRUCTURES, IS INTRODUCED INTO THE SOUTH-AMERICAN CONTINENT

Reticulitermes Lucifugus was introduced in Uruguay and for the first t ime is found in South America. Attacks to wood in buildings and to pap er are alarming authorities and researchers, since such severe damage to those materials was previousely unknown in the country. Erradicatio n of the pest is now immpossible, and control strategies are being def ined with the help of a multidisciplinary committee of specialists. As the termite increases its distribution range, perspectives for the fu ture of wooden structure in Uruguay and the near countries of Argentin a, Brazil and Paraguay become gloomy.