Formosan termites are the most voracious and aggressive of the over 2,000 termite species known to science. A subterranean species of termite, swarmer Formosan termites are half an inch long, including their wings.
With a yellow-brownish color and a narrow, oval body shape, invasive Formosan termites have three different castes: workers, protector soldiers and wingless or winged reproductive alates.
Invading wooden structures directly from the soil, Formosan termites construct a series of mud tubes to reach their next meal. Formosan termites are also capable of constructing water-retention structures in their nests so that they do not have to return to the ground like other subterranean termite species. As these insects eat their way through a structure, they leave behind smooth-sided galleries.
Formosan termites are widely known for their impressive colony size and their ability to consume wood at a rapid rate, which makes them a nightmare for homeowners. The most aggressive subterranean termite species, they are known for aggressively defending their nests by releasing a white liquid meant to trap their enemies. With colonies capable of producing more than 1,000 eggs per day, colonies expand quickly and the rate of damage grows exponentially.
Formosan termites are an invasive species that originated in East Asia. In the U.S., Formosan termites prefer the warm southern climates of states like Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas, where they organize into huge subterranean colonies and build intricate mud-tube nests inside the walls of structures.
New Formosan termite colonies are created when winged termites, also known as swarmers, are released from the colony and swarm. A single colony of Formosan termites can release over 70,000 swarmers. Swarming usually occurs in the evening following a warm, rainy day in late spring or early summer.
Since these aggressive termites are difficult to control once they infest a structure, prevention is key. Avoid water accumulation near your home’s foundation, and divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks.
Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in the yard. Most importantly, eliminate wood contact with the soil. Maintain a six-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building.
Experts also recommend a baiting system as the best way to prevent a termite infestation. Arrow Exterminators offers comprehensive termite control built around the Sentricon system, the world’s most advanced termite protection system. Learn more about our termite prevention.
Because these pests can cause enormous amounts of damage in a short amount of time, it is important to keep an eye out for the signs of an infestation.
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