Infobreaks Newsletter

Formosan Termites: A “Super Bug” That Causes Super Damage

Probably one of the most destructive imports that has ever hit the United States is the Formosan termite. Originally from China, these termites are cunning, insatiable, and devastating. They are subterranean; so many times, you will not know you have an infestation of these critters until it is too late. They also have a swarming instinct, which is how many people realize they have a termite problem.

Thanks to importing and exporting, many times via cargo shipping, the Formosan termite has been able to spread all around the world. They eat wood and anything with cellulose. Left undetected on a ship, Formosan termites could eat through wooden boat hulls, shipping containers and anything else made out of wood products. Because of their destructive nature, these cargo ships are inspected now to detect any termite activity so the ship and cargo can be treated before unloading.

The reason why the Formosan termite is such a “super bug” is because they have no known predators when they arrive in a new place. In their native lands, these termites are eaten by other insects, small lizards, animals, and even diseases that live in the soil. Take them out of that “hostile” home environment and they flourish, much to our dismay in the United States.

The size of their colonies is another contributor to the Formosan termite’s status as a destructive “super bug.” There could be literally millions of termites in one colony, working together towards one common goal: eating all the wood they possibly can.

Eating and scavenging 24/7, some colonies spread out over more than an acre. Since they are subterranean, you would never know they were there. In addition, with one termite Queen laying eggs every day, there is never any shortage of worker termites, foraging for the cause.

There are a few signs that indicate you have a Formosan termite infestation. For instance, these wood-eating critters may fly around your home! Sometimes, fertile pairs of Formosan termites split off and fly from the colony to form a new one. You may witness a swarm of them fly away too. Remodeling projects or replacing weakening wood structures could reveal termite damage as well.

Defensive measures to eradicate these termites include chemicals to control the spread of termites as well as special pesticides. These have varying levels of success. Termite baiting, however, has had remarkable results. The worker termites would bring tasty toxic treats to their colony, which kills them off.

Preventative maintenance is the key to ensuring that you will not get an infestation of Formosan termites. Inspect your property regularly. Check to make sure there is no water accumulating around your home. Employ proper drainage accessories like gutters. Keep your attic and crawl spaces ventilated. Throw all wood scraps and shavings away from your home. Formosan termites like moist conditions, so be sure and keep any wood on your home away from the soil. This means that landscaping, especially if you are using mulch or landscape timbers should not be flush against your home.

Formosan termites can be devastating and literally bring down a house. By exercising diligence with some preventive maintenance, you can stay termite free and have peace of mind.