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Vol. 12 No. 11 (2025)
International Multidisciplinary Journal for Research & Development

Articles

XYLOPHAGOUS INSECTS AND TERMITE DAMAGE TO ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE

Published 2025-11-09

  • Doschanova Manzura Babajanovna

Doschanova Manzura Babajanovna
Khorezm Mamun academy, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biological Sciences

Abstract

Xylophagous (“wood-eating”) insects – notably termites (order Blattodea: infraorder Isoptera) and various wood-boring beetles – play a key ecological role in decomposing dead wood[1]. Termites are eusocial insects that digest cellulose via symbiotic gut flora or their own enzymes[2]. Subterranean termites live in large colonies (often 10^5–10^6 workers) and require soil moisture, whereas drywood termites can colonize isolated wood. In natural ecosystems they recycle nutrients, but in built heritage they become invasive pests. Historic buildings are especially vulnerable: early conservators note that “historic buildings and structures are particularly vulnerable to subterranean termite damage, given the traditional use of wood as a building material”[3]. Termite attack is often irreversible and can severely compromise structural integrity[3]. This review examines termite ecology and behavior, surveys documented cases of termite damage to cultural monuments, and analyzes the unique situation in Itchan Qala (Khiva, Uzbekistan) in comparison with other heritage sites worldwide (e.g. Angkor Wat, Fatehpur Sikri, Luxor). We assess damage patterns, environmental factors, and mitigation measures, drawing on recent scientific and conservation literature.

Keywords

xylophagous insects, termites, cultural heritage preservation, historical monuments, Ichan Qala, architectural conservation, wooden structures, pest management, subterranean termites, drywood termites, environmental factors, comparative heritage studies, Southeast Asia heritage, Central Asia architecture, integrated pest management.

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References

  1. [This article has drawn on UNESCO World Heritage Centre reports[19][20][23][21][22][31], academic studies[3][5][12][4], and professional conservation literature and news reports[14][16][13][3] to document termite damage and mitigation.]
  2. [1] [2] Xylophagy - Wikipedia
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylophagy
  4. [3] [8] [9] [10] JAIC 1998, Volume 37, Number 3, Article 3 (pp. 282 to 292)
  5. https://cool.culturalheritage.org/jaic/articles/jaic37-03-003_2.html
  6. [4] [5] [11] [12] [29] [30] Analysis of Factors Affecting Termite Damage to Wooden Architectural Heritage Buildings in Korea
  7. https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/13/3/465
  8. [6] [13] [17] [26] [27] [28] Termites damage Hội An's historic relics
  9. https://vietnamnews.vn/life-style/916205/termites-damage-hoi-an-s-historic-relics.html
  10. [7] [20] [21] [23] whc.unesco.org
  11. https://whc.unesco.org/document/183360
  12. [14] [25] Tackling Termite Damage Angkor Park Temples ⋆ Community Events
  13. https://cne.wtf/2021/03/29/tackling-termite-damage-angkor-park-temples/
  14. [15] Climate change is wreaking havoc on World Cultural Heritage sites, study finds
  15. https://news.mongabay.com/2025/10/climate-change-is-wreaking-havoc-on-world-cultural-heritage-sites-study-finds/
  16. [16] Tiny Termites Prompt State of Emergency in Egypt | The Epoch Times
  17. https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/tiny-termites-prompt-state-of-emergency-in-egypt-2688700
  18. [18] [19] Itchan Kala - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
  19. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/543/
  20. [22] [24] [31] UNESCO World Heritage Centre - State of Conservation (SOC 2024) Itchan Kala (Uzbekistan)
  21. https://whc.unesco.org/en/soc/4620/

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