The Importance of the Biological and Behavioral Characterizacion of Wood Infesting Pests on the Jurisprudences and Commercial Relationships

Abstract:
Unfamiliarity on the biology and behavior of termites and wood borers may end in legal courts. In order to understand the troubles caused by such unknowns, we conducted consultations in law libraries, among consumer defenders and at the website of Justice Court from the state of São Paulo. Also informal interviews were done with lawyers, representatives of pest control associations, urban pest experts and researchers. Results describe some cases which the court looked for correct information on the topic to condemnation and also cases where the complete absence of knowledge on xylophages insects let to different decisions. Most cases show the undoubted need of an urban entomologist to advise these cases.