The termite Odontotermes formosanus is an important insect pest which is very injurious to dikes and reservoirs in South China. Its nests damage the embankments and the dikes to form usually the dangerous state or" a small leak will sink a great ship."Our experiments show that the nests of the termite Odontotermes formosanus destroy stability of the embankment and dike works. This paper would provide a basis for termite control.