Tunnelling with the fervour of an invading army, the millions of insects displace so much earth that pavements above them subside, walls collapse and even tombstones begin to topple.
Throughout my interview with Shi Heng Yi I can't help feeling strangely nervous. The diminutive yet powerfully built figure in front of me is capable of feats that seem almost superhuman.
Arriving on Slough High Street on a grey weekday morning, I have barely had time to take out my notebook when I am accosted by an angry-looking man on crutches.