Termites are widely regarded as the world's most destructive creatures and are usually found in hot countries.

Termite mounds can hold as many as 6 million insects

About 1 million of them are thought to be operating on a 60m-long "front" in the adjacent properties in Saunton.

The scientists' aim is to wipe out the massive colony in around two years, but monitor the area for another 10.

Termites were discovered at Saunton four years ago. So far attempts to exterminate them have failed.

The new eradication programme was announced last week by the Construction Minister, Nick Raynsford.

The scientists will start by examining the two homes and other timber in a 200 metre radius, including fence posts and tree stumps.

If it is found that the infestation had spread beyond that circle, the examination will be extended to a 500 metre radius of the affected area.

Wood to act as bait

Termites will be fed a chemical to prevent their young growing

Cylinders of wooden "bait" will then be placed in the area to determine the extent of the infestation.

They will later be replaced with wood containing the chemical hexaflumuron - an insect growth regulator eaten by the foraging worker termites, who will transfer it to the young developing insects who then fail to mature.

This shoud lead to the colony dying out.