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Formosan termites

Formosan Termites

Formosan termites are originally from China and are considered the most voracious, aggressive, and devious among over 2,000 known termite species. They organize into large underground colonies and construct intricate mud nests within the walls of structures. Due to their aggressive nature, controlling Formosan termites becomes challenging once they infest a building. In the United States, they are found in Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, and California.

Identification

Alates, or swarmers, measure about 5/16 inch (14-15mm) in length, including their wings. Their bodies range from pale yellow to brownish-yellow, and they possess translucent wings densely covered with small hairs. Formosan termite swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants. Key differences include:

  • Waist: Termites have broad waists, whereas flying ants have narrow waists.
  • Antennae: Termites feature straight antennae, in contrast to the bent antennae of flying ants.
  • Wings: Termites have wings of equal size, while flying ants have larger front wings compared to their hind wings.

Environment

Formosan termites thrive in mildly temperate climates, up to 35 degrees north latitude in the United States. They are prevalent in several southern states, including Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.

Threats

Once Formosan termites infest a structure, they are difficult to control. A mature colony can consume about 31 grams (over 1 ounce) of wood daily. At this rate, they can entirely consume one foot of a 2×4 wooden board in 25 days, leading to severe structural damage within six months. Beyond buildings, Formosan termites infest living trees and shrubs, utility poles, landscape timbers, wooden railroad trusses, and even boats. They are also known to chew through telephone and electric cable insulation, causing costly damage and power outages in urban areas.

Treatment

If you suspect a termite infestation, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance. Island Environmental offers free termite inspections. Their technicians assess homes for signs of termites and recommend appropriate Termite Control programs. They also provide termite prevention programs to protect your home from potential damage.

This information is sourced from Island Environmental’s website.