Ander Crenshaw Wants Feds to Wipe Out Conehead Termites

From his perch on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla., is doing his best to exterminate a pest plaguing Florida -- the conehead termite. At an Appropriations Committee meeting on Thursday, Crenshaws amendment to the 2015 Agriculture Appropriations bill using federal funds to create a program to eradicate the conehead termite was added and passed.

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, Crenshaw said on Thursday. 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. Thats why Ive 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.

Crenshaws proposal won the applause of a former colleague who is now in Tallahassee.

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, said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. This pest is a serious threat to Floridas homes and businesses, and we appreciate Congressman Ander Crenshaws support to help our eradication efforts.