Conehead termite nests the size of toaster ovens have been recently discovered in Dania Beach.
Workers from the Florida Department of Agriculture used axes and picks Tuesday to destroy more than 25 nests found in a wooded vacant lot just north of Griffin Road. Workers are acting fast to prevent the termites from spreading.
"It eats almost everything," said Barbara Thorne, research professor at the University of Maryland's Department of Entomology, who is working on the campaign. "Houses, agriculture, dead wood from living trees. So we really want to stop them."
The Sun Sentinel reports the need to demolish the nests is immediate because it is swarm season. During this time, winged males and females fly off to establish new nests. Scientists say the conehead termite could pose a serious threat to houses in South Florida.
Andy Rackley, the state's director of Agricultural Environmental Services, said because the nests were found within a narrow range, it may be possible to stop them from spreading.
"They've spread, but it's still a very small area," he said. "We have the opportunity to not only contain them but to eradicate them."
After tearing apart the nests, the remaining termites were sprayed with insecticide. Workers plan to return Wednesday to finish the job, with monthly surveys planned in the future.
Local
The conehead species is known for its large, above-ground nests and for traveling on the surface. The species is thought to have reached the United States on wood pallets carried on boats.
