Crenshaw Amendment Aims to Stop Costly Damage of Invasive Conehead Termite

Press Release

The House Appropriations Committee today (5/29) passed Congressman Ander Crenshaw's fiscal year 2015 Agriculture Appropriations Bill amendment that aims to prevent the spread of the invasive conehead termite across Florida and to other parts of the United States.

Specifically, the amendment directs the United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to provide technical assistance with already appropriated funds to develop, implement, and administer an effective conehead termite eradication program. The fiscal year 2015 Agriculture Appropriations bill, including Crenshaw's amendment, passed the full committee on Thursday, May 29 and now moves to the House floor for consideration.

Crenshaw, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement:

"The conehead termite poses a severe economic and destructive threat to agricultural crops, trees and shrubs, wood and paper products, as well as homes and structures. Without action, that price tag is estimated at more than $260 million in increased annual termite control costs, which does not include the costs for repairs of further damage if the infestation spreads. That's why I've taken action to stop the conehead termite in its tracks. Florida timber producers, the housing industry, and homeowners deserve the additional protection that this measure provides."

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam stated, "Since 2012, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer services has worked diligently to fight the spread of the conehead termite, an invasive and destructive termite that does not respond to conventional termite treatments. This pest is a serious threat to Florida's homes and businesses, and we appreciate Congressman Ander Crenshaw's support to help our eradication efforts."

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