Formosan Termites
(Coptotermes formosanus)
Appearance
Formosan Subterranean termites are caramel to brownish-yellow in color.
Size
Swarmers are about ½-inch in length, including the wings.
Behavior
Formosan Subterranean termite colonies begin small, but may grow to over a million termites. Three to five years after the colony is started, winged reproductives (swarmers) are produced. Swarmers, or alates, do not reproduce in their original colonies. They swarm out of the colony by the thousands in an attempt to pair with an alate from a different colony. Swarming usually follows a warm, rainy day in spring or summer, and typically occurs in the evening.
Habitat
Formosan termites have huge underground colonies, often 10 times the size of other subterranean termite species. They also build mud nests in the walls of a structure. These nests may contain tens of thousands of termites and can hold enough moisture for them during dry periods.
Economic Significance
Formosan termites are considered more aggressive than other subterranean species because their large colonies often cause damage at an accelerated rate.
Even more frightening, this six-legged pest is legendary for entering through cracks and plumbing penetrating in cement, and chewing through plastic, asphalt, and plaster to get to a food or water source.
Control
Do you live in South Florida and think that this termite may be invading your home? Hulett Environmental Services offers specialty termite control treatments designed to control and eliminate this pest!
