What Do Formosan Termites Look Like?
Formosan termites are a creamy white or brown color. They are long, narrow, and oval-shaped insects. Formosan termite workers look very similar to other worker termites, so the soldiers are generally used to determine the correct species of termites. For example, Formosan termite soldier heads are oblong while subterranean termites have more rectangular-shaped heads, helping to differentiate the two.
Where Do Formosan Termites Nest?
Formosan termites can be found in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. The build nests underground below the frost line usually, but a mature nest will send “swarmers” out in large numbers to find mates from other colonies to start new colonies. Nests will offer constant moisture sources and have consistent timber source to feed on nearby.
Termites will enter homes and other buildings through tiny cracks in the concrete floor or through gaps in parquetry or tile flooring of 1/16” wide. Termites may also create a secondary colony in upper stories of buildings without direct soil contact as long as there is constant moisture in the area. If a home has leaking plumbing, for example, the risks for Formosan termites in the walls increases.
What Do Formosan Termites Eat?
Termites consume cellulose materials such as wood. They will eat dead trees and plants, although they also consume paper, drywall, and plastic. Your home’s foundation, shelves, furniture, and books can all be on the menu of Formosan termites.
Are Formosan Termites Dangerous?
Formosan termites are not dangerous to your health, but they can cause extensive, costly damages to your home or other structure in as little as six months because of the huge size of their colonies. Formosan termite colonies may have as many as one million termites! Formosan termites do more damage than any other subterranean termite species in the United States.
Are Formosan Termites Active In East Texas?
Formosan termites were first discovered in Texas in 1956 in Harris County. Since then, infestations have been found in more than 25 counties throughout Texas with more added annually. Formosan termites are active in all major metropolitan areas throughout the state of Texas. They are thought to be spreading due to the transport of shoring timbers and recycled railroad ties used for docks, railways, and construction.
Does Innovative Pest Control Offer Termite Control?
Innovative Pest Control provides a variety of termite control solutions, using treatments that include:
- Liquid soil-applied termiticides
- Termite baits and bait stations
- Building materials impregnated with termiticides, and wood treatments.
Innovative Pest Control will help you identify the species of termites you have in your home, eliminate the existing colony, and provide treatment to prevent future termite infestations. It’s not a good idea to try to eliminate termites with do-it-yourself methods, especially if you have Formosan termites as they cause such extensive damage in a short period of time. Termites cause more than 5 billion dollars damage every year – call our trained, licensed technicians at the first signs of termites on your property or in your home.
Formosan Termite Prevention Tips
Called the “silent destroyers” you should take steps to prevent Formosan termites from getting into your home. Try the following prevention tips:
- Repair any leaking sources of water – faucets, water pipes, A/C units.
- Divert water away from home’s foundation.
- Seal entry points and cracks around your home, water pipes, utility lines.
- Eliminate standing sources of water outside.
- Keep slab exposed around the perimeter of your house.
- Ensure your home is properly ventilated including the attic.
- Remove dead trees and roots and old stumps in your yard.
- Keep firewood stacked at least 20 feet away from the house.
