BASF Experts Warn of Thriving Formosan Termite Colonies in Gulf Coast Region

Research Triangle Park, NC, April 30, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Clean-up efforts continue following the record-breaking 2005 hurricane season, but Gulf Coast experts warn that an aggressive, invasive termite species may cause even more damage to area homes this year than in past years. Destructive Formosan subterranean termites, which are widely established in the region, have been increasing their areas of infestation and growing in numbers thanks to ample sources of wood, debris and water.

Formosan subterranean termites are responsible for up to $1 billion in property damage in the United States annually, and the species’ ravenous nature has enabled it to spread across the lower half of the country and Hawaii at an alarming rate. Pest professionals cite the Formosan termites’ explosive colony growth in the Gulf region and its need for new food sources as potential triggers for an intense swarm season.

“Subterranean termites need cellulose and water to survive and for their colonies to grow, swarm, and create new colonies,” said Dr. Bob Davis, Market Development Specialist for BASF Professional Pest Control and Chief Entomologist for the Termite Institute™ (www.termiteinstitute.com). “There are a lot of food and water resources, which provide excellent subterranean termite habitat throughout the gulf region. The pressure to contain thriving colonies near structures and prevent subsequent property damage from the pest is very high.”

BASF, manufacturer of leading termite control products TermidorÒ termiticide/insecticide and PhantomÒ termiticide-insecticide, created the Termite Institute™ (TermiteInstitute.com) in 2006 to educate consumers on the threats termites pose and the best ways to protect their property from costly termite damage. Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover termite damage.

The average Formosan subterranean termite colony is comprised of millions of termites and can forage an area more than one acre in diameter for food. While native subterranean termite colonies support an average of 300,000 workers, Formosan colonies can average millions of workers and can have multiple reproductives, and Formosan female reproductives can produce 1,000 eggs per day.

“Residents in the Gulf states need to recognize that our structures are under severe threat of damage from these termites,” said Davis. “Homeowners are advised to work with a pest professional to obtain a thorough termite inspection. Existing termite infestations can be quickly controlled through professional treatments, and preventative measures are highly recommended to avoid costly damage down the road.”

United States Department of Agriculture-Forest Service testing has proven Termidor effective in delivering 100 percent control of subterranean termites. Formosan termites are currently established in 11 states, with experts predicting increased infestations across the country. More information on Formosan termites and other types of termites, including an interactive map that details prevalence by state, is available on www.termiteinstitute.com.

With sales of €3,137 million in 2007, BASF’s Crop Protection division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Farmers use these products and services to improve crop yields and crop quality. Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants, vegetation management, and forestry. BASF aims to turn knowledge rapidly into market success. The vision of BASF’s Crop Protection division is to be the world’s leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com.

BASF - The Chemical Company. We don't make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better.®

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 15,000 employees in North America, and had sales of approximately $16.4 billion in 2007. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from oil and gas to chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals. As a reliable partner, BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has more than 95,000 employees and posted sales of almost €58 billion in 2007. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

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