A history of the spread of the Formosan subterranean termite in Japan. Although 94% of termite damage in Japan is by the native Japanese termite, the formosan type does more damage. Before the war the agent used against the termites was arsenic trioxide. After the war organochloride insecticides were widely used until restrictions were placed on their use. Nowadays only chlordane and monochlornaphtalene may be used in Japan. The use of physical preventive methods, such as termite shields, etc. Is not widespread, but is expected to become so. Research is under way to find alternatives to chlorinated compounds. Among the most promising is a mixture of 0-boric acid and borax, 10-15% which is added to old newspapers and magazines pulverised to a cotton-like material. Map, photographs, references.