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Formosan Termites Formosan Termite Treatment

If you are a homeowner or business owner, pests can be an expensive problem to have. Particularly when you have termites you not only can incur costly damage but risk catastrophic destruction of your home or business.
 

Formosan termites are a subterranean species of termite with three distinct castes: alates (or reproductive), soldiers and workers. Often referred to as “super termites,” they are the most voracious, aggressive and devious of over 2,000 termite species known to science, chewing through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected.  No matter where you live in Florida, recognizing the signs of infestations are important. But did you know that there are a few DIFFERENT kinds of termites that could be infesting your home or business? Below are some of the more common types of Florida termites and some important facts.

What Do Formosan Termites Look Like?

Alates, or swarmers, are about 5/16 inch (14-15mm) in overall length, including their wings. Their bodies are pale yellow to brownish yellow in color. They have translucent wings that are densely covered with small hairs. 

Formosan termite soldiers have heads that are rounded on the sides and tapered toward the front, whereas indigenous subterranean termites have rectangular heads. Their mandibles lack teeth.

How To Identify Formosan Termites

It’s essential to know which termite group is causing problems because each one is quite different biologically and, therefore, requires different methods of control. Formosan termites are very similar to other subterranean termite species, like Asian subterranean termites and eastern subterranean termites, so it’s best to contact a licensed pest control professional to help with proper identification.

Formosan termite swarmers are often confused with flying ants. The best way to tell them apart is by looking at their waists, as termites have broad waists and flying ants have narrow ones. Termites also have straight antennae compared to bent antennae on flying ants. Lastly, termites have wings of equal size, while flying ants have bigger front wings. 

Signs of a Formosan Termite Infestation

There are a few red flags signaling a Formosan termite problem. The first sign that an area is infested with Formosans is the presence of swarmers, or winged reproductives. Swarmers are often attracted to lights, so homeowners should keep an eye out for them (and their discarded wings) near windowsills, doors, lights and vents.

Formosan Termite Damage

Another sign of a Formosan termite infestation is damaged wood that sounds hollow when tapped. The wood often appears to have been eaten away along the grain pattern. 

When it comes to pest control, being prepared is an important part of pest prevention and treatment.  So understanding the signs and risks of different pests is a very important part of any pest control plan. Have questions? Think you may have an infestation? Contact us!