Formosan Termites

What do Formosan termites look like?

Formosan termites are a species of subterranean termite divided into three castes: workers, soldiers, and alates or reproductives. These termites are yellowish to light brown and grow slightly larger than Eastern subterranean termites. The alates have translucent wings.

Are Formosan termites dangerous?

Formosan termites are not dangerous to your health, but they will cause serious damage to your home. In fact, Formosan termites are considered the most aggressive of the termite species. They are sometimes called “super termites” because of their ability to chew through wood, wallpaper, and flooring without being detected. 

Part of the reason they are so destructive is because their colonies tend to be extremely large. Queens can produce over 1000 eggs daily, Formosan termite swarms often number in the tens of thousands from one colony, and the average colony has over 350,000 workers alone. When you think about the number of termites eating the wood in your house, it’s easy to understand how much damage they can cause.

Do Formosan termites cause structural damage?

When Formosan termites enter your house, they cause structural damage. They eat away at any cellulose-containing item, including structural supports, frames, and more.

Unfortunately, most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover termite damage. Across the United States, termites cause over $5 billion in structural damage every year, and most of the cost of repairs must be paid out of pocket.

Where do Formosan termites nest?

Formosan termites primarily nest underground in the soil. However, Formosan termites are unique in that they may also build secondary aerial nests if enough moisture is available to survive. They make these carton nests from soil, wood, feces, and saliva. These nests are usually found within the walls of an infested home.

What attracts Formosan termites to my home?

Formosan termites are attracted to moisture, which they need in plentiful supply to survive. If the wood in or around your house is water-damaged or rotting, it will attract Formosan termites. 

Reproductive Formosan termites are attracted to light sources. You may find them near windows or light bulbs.

What are the signs of a Formosan termite problem?

Seeing a termite swarm is often the first noticeable sign of a Formosan termite infestation. Unfortunately, this is also a sign that you have a well-established colony on your property or in your house.

Other signs of a Formosan termite infestation include:

• Exposed wood that sounds hollow when you knock on it.
• Mud tubes along your foundation walls.
• Wood damage to any areas of exposed wood in your house.
• Bubbling or peeling paint or wallpaper.

If you see any signs of a termite infestation, contact Anti-Pesto immediately.

Can I get rid of Formosan termites on my own?

You cannot get rid of Formosan termites on your own. Termites are difficult to eliminate for a few reasons. First, they remain out of sight most of the time, making them difficult to reach. Second, their colonies can house hundreds of thousands of termites, making it difficult to destroy the entire population. Third, unless you have extensive knowledge about different termite species and treatment methods, you’re unlikely to know how to treat them or even access the right treatment methods and products. 

What’s the best way to eliminate Formosan termites?

It’s best to turn to professional pest control experts for effective and thorough Formosan termite control. At Anti-Pesto, we provide proven termite control. Our experienced pest control specialists receive comprehensive training to identify the specific species of termites in your house and the proper treatment methods to target them and ensure they don’t return.

Can I prevent a Formosan termite infestation?

Formosan termite prevention starts with making your property unattractive to these pests. 

• Eliminating standing water, cutting back branches, shrubs, and bushes, and ensuring good drainage can reduce moisture around your yard.
• Eliminate wood-to-soil contact from firewood, rotting or dead trees, and wood posts dug directly into the ground.
• Seal cracks and other openings in your house to make it more difficult for Formosan termites to get inside.

The best way to prevent a Formosan termite infestation is to sign up for ongoing termite protection from Anti-Pesto. Contact us to learn more about our termite control services.