Problem

Teredos as pests

Other Names:
Shipworms
Pipeworms
Nature:

Teredos are a genus of highly specialized wormlike molluscs that are extremely destructive to wooden vessels and waterfront installations.
Incidence:

Teredos are worldwide in distribution, generally living in marine or brackish water, though occasionally in fresh water. Since earliest times they have been of concern to maritime people. The damage that teredos do is not readily seen; the outer surface of the wood may look undamaged and yet the interior may be completely riddled; hence the description 'termites of the sea'. Teredos are able to survive within wood for long periods of time during adverse conditions, including reduced salinity, pollution and silting. Furthermore, despite many advances made during this century in teredo control, there is still no permanent protection against them.
Broader Problems:
Insect pests of wood
Wood deterioration and decay
Related Problems:
Mollusc pests
Subject(s):
Invertebrates → Helminthes, annelida
Societal Problems → Pests
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems
Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST