Imagine waking up one morning to discover an invisible army silently devouring your home’s structure. This isn’t the plot of a horror movie but a real-life scenario for those facing an invasion of Formosan termites. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Formosan termites, including how to identify and get rid of them.
After all, Formosan termites are not called “super termites” for nothing; these aggressive termites can ravage wooden structures at an alarmingly rapid rate, often causing severe damage before they are even detected.
What are Formosan Termites?
Formosan termites, scientifically known as Coptotermes formosanus, are a species of subterranean termite known for their aggressive and voracious nature. They pose a significant threat due to their appetite for destruction, eating everything from wood and wallpaper to live trees.
Formosan termites reside in massive underground colonies that can reach millions of workers. They invade structures by constructing intricate mud tubes that extend from the soil where the colony is directly to the wood they consume.
They have a well-organized social structure, divided into three primary castes: reproductive, soldiers, and workers. The majority of the colony consists of worker termites, which are responsible for foraging, food storage, and nest maintenance. The soldiers defend the colony, while the reproductive caste, including the king and queen, are central to the colony’s growth.
Why is the Formosan Termite a Problem?
One of the key issues with Formosan termites is their colony size, which can number in the millions. This sheer number of termites allows them to consume wood and other cellulose-based materials at a much faster rate than smaller colonies. The size of the colony also means that once they infest an area, completely eradicating them becomes a challenging task.
What Do Formosan Termites Look Like?
Identifying Formosan termites can be challenging, but knowing their distinct physical characteristics is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of their appearance:
- Color: Formosan termites generally have a tan coloration, ranging from yellowish-brown to orange-brown. This color can vary slightly depending on the specific caste within the colony.
- Size: On average, Formosan termites are about 1/2 inch in length, although this can vary slightly depending on their life stage.
- Body: Their bodies are plump and squishy, and they have a thick waist.
- Head: Formosan termites have an oval-shaped head, two straight antennae, and curved mandibles used for feeding.
- Legs: Like other insects, these termites possess six legs.
- Wings: The reproductive members of the colony, known as alates, have wings. These wings are shed once these flying termites have successfully established a new colony.
How to Tell if a Termite is Formosan
Differentiating Formosan termites from other termite species is key in pest identification and management. Here are some distinct features to look out for:
- Color: Formosan termite swarmers (reproductive members) are typically caramel to brownish-yellow in color, which sets them apart from other termite species that are usually black, brown, cream, or white.
- Head shape: The head shape of Formosan termites differs from other species, being more oval and less rectangular.
- Attraction to light and activity time: Formosan termites are attracted to light but are primarily active at night. Other subterranean termites swarm during the day.
- Swarming period: They typically swarm in late May or early June. This is later than other subterranean termites, which generally swarm in February and March.
- Proportion of soldiers: In a Formosan termite colony, 15-20% are soldiers. This is significantly higher than in other subterranean termite colonies, where soldier termites make up only 1-3% of the population.
- Behavior of soldiers: When harassed, Formosan termite soldiers exude a white, glue-like secretion. This is a unique defense mechanism not observed in other subterranean termite species.
- Nest characteristics: Formosan termites construct what is known as a carton nest. These termite nests are made from a mixture of termite excrement, chewed wood, and soil. They are often found in concealed, moist areas like between walls or beneath sinks.
- Mud tubes: Formosan termites create mud tubes, which are used for traveling and protecting themselves from predators and dry environments. While other subterranean termites also construct mud tubes, drywood and dampwood termites do not create these structures.
Formosan Termites vs. Subterranean Termites
While Formosan termites are a subtype of subterranean termites, they have some notable differences from the most common subterranean termite, the Eastern subterranean termite. Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | Formosan Termites | Eastern Subterranean Termites |
| Location | Prefer warm weather; commonly found in southern states | Commonly found in the Eastern portion of the U.S. |
| Body | Soldiers have longer bodies and shorter pincers | Soldiers have shorter bodies and longer pincers |
| Color | Yellowish-brown to orange-brown | Black or dark brown |
| Habitat | Live underground; build mud tubes to access food sources | Also live underground; build mud tubes to access food sources |
| Nesting | Build carton nests to retain moisture; can nest on higher floors (aerial colonies) | Nest is primarily underground |
| Activity | Primarily active at night | Active during the day |
| Soldiers | Higher percentage of soldiers in the colony | Fewer soldiers in comparison |
| Behavior | Soldiers exude a white secretion when endangered | Soldiers do not exhibit this secretion behavior |
Signs of Formosan Termites
Detecting a Formosan subterranean termite infestation early can save you time, money, and the structural integrity of your property. These termites can be elusive, but certain signs can alert you to their presence. Here are the key indicators to watch out for:
- Termites near light sources, windowsills, and doorways
- Areas with blistered paint
- Damaged wood
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Bubbled wallpaper
- Mud tubes along the foundation of your home, on walls, or near other wooden structures
- Discarded wings
If you notice any of these indicators or Formosan termite damage, contact a termite control expert immediately for a thorough inspection and appropriate treatment.
How to Get Rid of Formosan Termite Infestation
Controlling a Formosan termite infestation is challenging once they have established themselves in a structure. Due to their aggressive nature and large colonies, traditional termite treatment methods may not always be effective.
However, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, these are Formosan termite treatments that can work:
Soil Chemical Barrier
A soil chemical barrier involves creating a barrier around your building to prevent termites from accessing it. It starts with digging a trench around the perimeter of the building. Then, a liquid termiticide is applied into the soil, creating a continuous treated zone. This chemical barrier acts as a shield, stopping termites from entering the structure.
It’s essential that this termite barrier is unbroken and comprehensive, as Formosan termites are adept at finding the smallest gaps to infiltrate.
Bait Systems
Bait systems are another effective control method for Formosan termites and other types of subterranean termites. They involve placing bait stations around the perimeter of your property. These stations attract termites, which consume the bait containing slow-acting insecticides.
The key to this method’s success is the termites’ social behavior; they carry the insecticide back to their colony, inadvertently spreading it throughout the entire population. This method can be more time-consuming, as it relies on the termites to spread the insecticide gradually, but it can be highly effective in eradicating the entire colony.
How to Prevent Formosan Termites
Given the difficulty of eradicating Formosan termites once they infest a structure, the best strategy is prevention. Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of these termites establishing a colony in or around your home.
Here are some effective prevention tips:
- Annual home inspections: Have your home inspected by a professional termite inspector annually. Regular termite inspections can help detect early signs of termite activity before it becomes a full-blown infestation.
- Keep gutters clean: Ensure that gutters and downspouts are free of debris. Clogged gutters can lead to moisture accumulation, which attracts termites.
- Moisture reduction: Extend gutter and drainage systems to direct water at least 1 foot away from your home’s foundation. Reducing moisture around your home’s foundation is key to deterring termite activity.
- Foundation repairs: Repair any cracks or breaches in your home’s foundation. Even small cracks can serve as entry points for termites.
- Leak repairs: Address leaks in or around your home promptly. Moisture from leaks creates an ideal environment for Formosan termite colonies.
- Wood storage: Store firewood, lumber, or any other wooden materials at least 20-30 feet away from your home and off the ground. Keeping wood away from your house minimizes the chances of termites finding their way into your structure.
- Sprinkler positioning: Position sprinklers so that they do not spray directly onto your home’s foundation. Excessive moisture near the foundation can attract termites.
- Lighting adjustment: Turn off porch lights when not in use, or replace them with yellow bug lights. Lights can attract termite swarmers, especially during the swarming season.
Formosan Termite Distribution
Formosan termites, although widespread in certain regions today, are not a native species to the United States. Originally hailing from Taiwan and southern China, these invasive termites have become a significant concern in various parts of the U.S.
Although they’ve lived in Hawaii since the late 1800s, Formosan termites didn’t reach the contiguous U.S. until the 1960s. Since then, their presence has expanded, predominantly in the southern United States.
The distribution of Formosan termites is primarily in warm, humid climates, which provide ideal conditions for their colonies to thrive. Currently, they are found in the following states:
- Alabama
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
FAQ About Formosan Termites
What are the Worst Termites to Have?
Formosan termites are often considered the worst type of termites to have due to their massive colonies and aggressive behavior. Their large number of soldiers, a significant part of their population, makes them especially formidable.
These characteristics contribute to Formosan termites being the most destructive species of termite, capable of causing extensive damage in a relatively short amount of time.
Are Termites Worse at Night?
Whether termites are worse at night depends on the species. Formosan termites, as well as most species of drywood termites, tend to be more active during nighttime.
On the other hand, many other subterranean termites, including the commonly found Eastern subterranean termites, are more active during the day. Dampwood termites also typically exhibit daytime activity.
Can You Get Rid of Formosan Termites Naturally?
While there are some ways to deal with termites naturally, such as boric acid traps or introducing beneficial nematodes, these approaches may not be entirely effective against Formosan termites. This is because they are known for causing significant damage at a rapid pace.
Given the severity and speed of the damage they can inflict, it’s generally advisable to seek professional termite control services. Even for experts, fully eradicating a Formosan termite infestation can be challenging.
When to Call a Pro
Dealing with Formosan termites can be a daunting task. These “super termites” are not only aggressive but also capable of causing extensive damage to your property in a relatively short period.
If you suspect the presence of Formosan termites in your home or property, it is imperative to act swiftly. Contacting a professional termite exterminator is your best bet in ensuring that the infestation is thoroughly and safely addressed.
Main Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture / Canva Pro / CC BY 2.0
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