Formosan
Termites
Formosan
termites are an exotic species accidentally introduced to the U.S. from
China and other far Eastern countries.
Their habits are very much like those of our common subterranean
species.
They are in the same family of termites, but they belong to a different
genus.
They are a little bigger and are much more aggressive invaders,
forming larger colonies (often 2 million or more).
Formosan termites can establish secondary colonies in very moist
wood or upper stories of buildings and do not need soil contact if there
is a nearly constant moisture source.
They have been reported in 11 states including: Alabama, California,
Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
Their distribution will probably continue to be restricted to southern
areas because their eggs will not hatch below about 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you think you might have an infestation of this species, contact
a knowledgeable expert in our pest management firm, or the entomology
department of a university, or NPMA to confirm the identification of specimens.