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Formosan Termites

The Formosan Termite is a relatively new pest insect in the United States. This subterranean termite has an incredible propensity to destroy wood framing of homes and buildings quickly and totally. It is not uncommon for a swarm of Formosan Termites to devour an entire six foot long 2x4 in a single day! Obviously they can destroy a house or office building in a matter of months. Anyone living in Georgia should be very aware of the need for termite control services, and especially to prevent the extensive and costly damage caused by Formosan subterranean termites.

Colonies of subterranean termites are very slow growing, composed only of about 30 individuals one year after the king and queen have paired. Production of winged reproductives requires many years of colony growth and a vasts amount of wood fiber food. After about 7 years, subterranean termites produces winged workers that swarm from the colony. Emerging Formosan subterranean termites fly after sunset, and fly toward bright light sources. Within hours of swarming, males and females pair-off, drop their wings and attempt to locate a nest.

Formosan termites are abundant in Georgia however they have been studied more in the state of Louisiana, where they are believed to have entered the United States. The Formosan termite continues to spread through the United States, largely due to relocating swarms and the commercial transport of materials infested as a result of this species' above ground nesting habits.

In Lake Charles, Louisiana, Formosan subterranean termites infest living tupelo gum and bald cypress trees that are water-bound. As such, these trees serve as reservoirs for spreading alates from mature, tree-bound colonies along the river ways and bayous. The habit of building carton nests within trees and above the waterline helps these termites avoid drowning during high water. Similar above-ground nest structures are not built by native subterranean termites. Native subterranean termites are not found infesting these water-bound trees.

Trees in forested areas, parks and neighborhoods do become infested with Formosan subterranean termites. In Louisiana, Formosan subterranean termites infest a higher percentage of living trees than do native subterranean termites where both coexist.

One of the more recent advances in termite control is the development of bait systems. Zone Pest Solutions uses the Termidor® system which is proven to be effective against all species of termites in the United States. This system works because subterranean termites which are seeking food will find the bait placed in the ground where our technicians have determined to be ideal locations. Location of bait systems is important because Formosan termites show a strong liking for discovered high quality food sources. Formosan subterranean termites are more likely to consume a larger amount of food at a favored site before moving on to a new site. This could be an advantage for baiting of Formosan subterranean termites if baits are placed in locations where the termites will quickly find them. Proper bait placement and regular inspection is key to any potential success using baits.

Formosan subterranean termites are more chemical-tolerant to most liquid termiticides and wood treatment products than are native subterranean termites. In part, the foraging tenacity and gallery making behavior of Formosan subterranean termites tends to keep them from coming into contact with soil termiticides as often as might a commonforaging termite colony. Rather than transfer through mutual feeding as with baits, non-repellent termitcides are transferred through mutual grooming, and body contact.

The second important feature in the biology of Formosan subterranean termites that makes them more difficult to control is their construction of above ground nests. All mature subterranean termite colonies have multiple nest centers, but Formosan subterranean termites use above ground nesting sites in addition to below ground nesting sites. Just as they build nests in trees they also build nests in homes and buildings. Above ground carton nests can be very large and the moisture they contain can alleviate the need for the colony members to continously return to the ground for water. Using conventional repellent termiticides against the Formosan subterranean termite can often fail because of this behavior. Sometimes fumigation of a whole building is required for a severe Formosan subterranean termite infestation.

Treating the wood with borates or heavy metals keeps subterranean termites from eating the wood and is the most direct way to reduce costs associated with termite damage. Treated wood products presently on the market must be consumed by termites to cause any significant mortality. These treatments are not repellent however, and termites can bypass treated wood and consume untreated cellulose products and structural framing in a home. Wood treatments should not be considered as a means of repelling or keeping subterranean termites out of the home. As such, liquid termiticides and/or baits should be used when attempting to protect your home from subterranean termites.

Due to their ability to rapidly devour wood and devastate a structure, time is of the essence when dealing with an infestation of Formosan termites. As has been stated here, controlling and eliminating Formosan termite colonies is both challenging and problematic. It is highly recommended that anyone who is experiencng, or suspects, a termite infestation place a call to an Atlanta termite control company to discuss their situation. We can respond quickly with a thorough termite inspection and termite treatments if necessary.