| Formosan Subterranean Termite |
 |
While all termites have
long narrow bodies, they vary
greatly in appearance depending on the termite’s role in the colony.
Formosan
subterranean workers are yellowish-brown and 1/8-inch long; alates, or
“swarmers,” are about 1 inch long with pale white
wings.
Originally from China, Formosan
termites are the most
voracious and aggressive of all termite species. They live in huge
underground
colonies and build elaborate mud nests inside the walls of buildings.
In the
U.S. they are found mainly in Hawaii, Florida and along the Gulf Coast,
although they have been discovered in places such as San Diego, Memphis
and
Atlanta. Because Formosan termite colonies can contain several million
members,
they can damage buildings much faster than other termites. They are
also more
difficult to control, in part because they can establish secondary
aerial nests
with no connection to the ground.Like other termite species, they feed
on products
containing cellulose. Unlike other wood-destroying insects, termites
actually
eat the wood.Because of their aggressive nature,
Formosan termites are difficult to control once they infest a
structure.
Prevention is key. Eliminate wood contact with soil. Make sure at least
four
inches of foundation can be seen all around the home. Avoid water
accumulation
near your home’s foundation. Divert water away with properly
functioning
gutters, downspouts and splash blocks. Fix all roof and plumbing leaks
as soon
as possible.
Options
for controlling existing infestations include placing a pesticide
barrier in
the soil to prevent access to wood structures, above-ground bait
stations, and
fumigating the entire structure.
