Formosan Termites are native to the Far East. This subterranean termite species was first discovered in the U.S. in a Houston, Texas shipyard in 1965, and has spread to a number of southern coastal and Gulf states since. Currently, all indications are that Formosan termites might eventually establish nests in some northern states, as long as the temperature and moisture conditions are satisfactory.
A fully established Formosan termite colony is extremely destructive, as it can have nearly seven million members. They can destroy wood six times faster than native subterranean termites species, and have been known to penetrate lead, plastic, rubber, mortar and plaster to get to wood. They are able to penetrate such materials by secreting an acid substance from their frontal glands. Moreover, such termites even caused short-circuits by damaging electric cables.
Formosan Termites – Description and Identification
There are no obvious characteristics distinguishing the worker Formosan termite from our native species, so identification can be very difficult. In native species, however, only two percent of the population are soldiers, while 25 percent of Formosan termites are soldiers. Consequently, if an active Formosan termite shelter tube is broken or an infested section of framing is examined, far more soldiers would be visible than if it was from our native species.
Native subterranean termite species typically have a ground connection and live partly in ground and partly in wood, but the Formosan termite can live without a ground connection if there is a suitably located constant moisture source. Because of this, the control of Formosan termites is very difficult. For instance, a plumbing leak might prompt termites to make a nest in an exterior wall, so the chemical treatment of the soil around the house, which is the control procedure for native subterranean termites, will have no effect on the termites in the wall. In these cases, fumigation is required.
The location of a termite is normally not known, as it can be either in the ground or in a wall. To control an infestation, it would be necessary to chemically treat the soil around the house and fumigate. This combination of control procedures is possible with a single detached building, but in urban areas with row houses and attached structures fumigation is not a viable procedure.
Due to their large number and their speed, Formosan termite colonies are able to attack a property immediately and cause considerable damage. One colony can contain nearly seven million members, unlike other subterranean termite species which contain only up to two million members.
Formosan Termites can forage as much as 100 meters of soil, and a single termite is able to consume as much as 400 grams of wood per day. This is already a great amount as it is, and combined with millions of members, a Formosan termite colony can cause a building to collapse in an instant.
Once a Formosan termite colony establishes in a certain area, it can never be completely eradicated. These termites would often infest various structures, including large buildings and condominiums. Formosan Termites can cause huge property damage which often results in expensive treatment and repair.