The following points were clarified from the responses to the questionnaire. Termite damage was most common in the bathroom, washroom, and entrance, in that order. Termite damage was most commonly found beneath floors, followed by floor surfaces, and inside walls, in that order. Damage in framing was minimal. Damage in all structural components was most common in the Kyushu region, with the most significant difference with other regions being the higher frequency of damage in framing. Damage beneath floors was common in all regions. It is thought that the differences in the extent of damage between regions is due the difference in the types of termite prevalent in each region; 37% of respondents operating in regions infested with both Coptotermites formosanus Shiraki and Reticulitermes speratus reported damage in framing, whereas only 9% of respondents operating in regions infested with only Reticulitermes speratus reported framing damage. In the Kyushu region, more than 60% of respondents reported damage in framing, indicating considerable variation in the site of damage between regions. Termite damage to thermal insulation was reported by 77% of respondents, with such damage occurring throughout the country. Damage reported to be most common in expanded polystyrene insulation, however damage to other types was also reported and it is apparent that all types of thermal insulation are subject to termite damage. The number of houses designed for energy efficiency through the use of high thermal efficiency insulation and airtight construction is expected to increase, and in order to extend the life of housing under these conditions in terms of termite damage, it is desirable that procedures for maintenance management be investigated for each region to ensure that thermal insulation is of the appropriate type, and is appropriately installed, to minimize termite damage.

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