Formosan termites pose a significant threat to homes across the Southern United States. These voracious insects can cause severe structural damage if left undetected and untreated. Unlike native termite species, Formosan termites can cause tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage in a short time frame. Spotting potential infestations early and focusing on effective prevention strategies will save you both money and hassle.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting rid of Formosan termites thoroughly and safely.
What Are Formosan Termites?
Formosan termites (Coptotermes formosanus) are a species of underground-dwelling termite native to Asia. They were accidentally introduced in the continental United States after World War II. These termites thrive in warm climates and have spread across states like Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Unlike termites native to the United States, Formosan termites can infest living trees and plants. They build large, ground-level carton nests that allow them to maintain moisture levels necessary for survival. A single large colony may contain several million worker termites capable of consuming up to 13 ounces of wood per day, making them one of the most destructive termite species in the world.
Formosan termites swarm at night in late spring and summer. The swarmers are drawn to light and may accumulate around windows and doors. After swarming, kings and queens drop to the ground, shed their wings, and begin the search for a nesting site. The rest of the colony stays underground.
Signs of a Formosan Termite Infestation
You may spot the first signs of Formosan termites when alates swarm inside your home. These flying reproductive colony members shed their wings with the kings and queens, and you might find the wings piled around windows, doors, and light fixtures.
You should also watch for these other signs of an existing colony:
- Mud tubes: Formosan termites use mud tubes to travel between their nests and food sources. You may find them on foundation walls, support piers, or other wood structures.
- Wood damage: Look for hollowed frames, wood that sounds hollow when tapped, and cracked paint and drywall. Formosan termites excavate wood from the inside out.
- Swarmers: Temporary swarmers may creep inside your home at night, especially in the spring and summer.
If you see any of these signs, contact a pest management professional as soon as you can for an inspection. Trained inspectors use specialized tools like moisture meters and thermal cameras to check for hidden termite activity in attics, crawlspaces, basements, and other vulnerable areas in your home.
How to Get Rid of Formosan Termites
You have a few options to get rid of Formosan termites, including spraying liquid termiticide, treating exposed wood, and placing termite bait systems. Preventive measures should also be a crucial pillar of your strategy.
Traditional termite treatments involve trenching around a home’s foundation and injecting a liquid termiticide into the soil. Any Formosan termites crossing the chemical barrier will die. A professional will also treat vulnerable areas inside the home.
Liquid termiticides provide an immediate barrier against Formosan termites, but it may only last for three to five years before needing to be reapplied. Some homeowners may also prefer to avoid harsh chemical termiticides around their properties.
Formosan termite baits exploit the pests’ natural foraging behavior. Stations containing cellulose material are installed around the home’s exterior and monitored regularly.
As the termites start to trust the stations, your pest management professional will replace the bait with a slow-acting toxin. Foraging termites eat the toxin and share it with others in the colony. Eventually, this kills the queen and causes the colony to collapse.Â
Bait stations are non-invasive to install and need no chemical spraying, but the process can take several months before colony collapse happens. Routine inspections by your pest management team will keep the stations effective and active.
Using treated wood won’t guarantee that termites stay away, but it can still reduce the chances of an infestation if you have exposed wooden crawl spaces or foundation parts. Woods like cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated lumber can provide a natural barrier against termites. Pest management professionals can also safely apply borate-based preservatives to exposed wood, which adds termite resistance.
The best Formosan termite control starts before an infestation even occurs. Prevention is the best defense against Formosan termites. If you’re building a new home or remodeling your existing one, implement these preventive measures:
- Install concrete foundations and metal mesh barriers.
- Eliminate wood-to-soil contact around the structure.
- Remove accumulations of mulch or debris near the foundation.
- Fix plumbing leaks and improve drainage.
- Prune tree branches away from the roof.
- Store firewood off the ground and far away from your home.
These steps can go a long way against Formosan termites, but you can have an additional layer of protection by working with a pest management professional for regular inspections and maintenance.
Professional Formosan Termite Treatment
Dealing with Formosan termite infestations requires professional-grade products and expertise. Pest management professionals have the tools and knowledge to:
- Pinpoint the location of colonies around your property
- Apply targeted liquid termiticide barriers
- Install a comprehensive termite bait system
- Treat inaccessible areas inside your home’s walls
Technicians are trained to safely use termiticides around families and pets. Some companies also build customized treatment plans based on the extent of the infestation and your home’s construction.
Professional exterminators stay up to date on the latest techniques for controlling termite pests. They know how to adjust their protocols to match the behaviors of invasive species like the Formosan termite. This expertise makes them more successful than DIYers at eliminating current infestations and preventing future ones.
Cost to Treat Formosan Termites
Since every home is different, termite control treatment costs can vary. That said, oSince every home is different, termite control treatment costs can vary. That said, once termites gain entry and set up shop in your home, it doesn’t take long for termites to cause serious damage. According to Angi, you can expect to invest $250 to $1,500 for a bait or chemical-based termite treatment.
Factors that impact the price of termite treatment include the following:
- Home size and foundation type
- The extent of the infestation
- Additional indoor treatment needs
- The location of termite colonies
To determine the exact costs for your specific situation, schedule an inspection with a certified pest management professional. Most provide free, no-obligation estimates.
So, Is Formosan Termite Treatment Worth It?
An infestation of Formosan termites threatens your home’s structural integrity and value. These invasive pests can cause many thousands of dollars in damage if left unchecked. The expense of professional termite treatment pales in comparison to that of repairs needed after an infestation has persisted over time.
Investing in an annual termite inspection and control plan brings peace of mind. Stopping termites before they spread protects your valuable property. Although treatment costs seem high at first, they often amount to only a few dollars per month averaged over the long term.
For homeowners in Southern states, inspecting for and treating Formosan termites is a wise investment because many home insurance policies don’t cover damage caused by termites. Work with a pest control expert to implement an integrated plan designed specifically for your property. Detecting and managing these invasive pests quickly can help avert severe destruction.
FAQs About Getting Rid of Formosan Termites
What is the best way to eliminate an existing Formosan termite infestation?
A combination of liquid termiticide application and an ongoing bait system monitoring program provides the most thorough treatment. The termiticide creates an immediate lethal barrier while the bait provides long-term control.
When is the best time to treat for Formosan termites?
The peak swarming period is late spring to early summer. Treatment during this active season allows pest control experts to locate and target nesting sites, but inspections and treatments can be performed year round in warmer climates.
Do it yourself pest control or hire a professional for termites?
DIY termite treatment options are limited compared to those of professionals. Liquid termiticides available to regular consumers typically don’t provide the same level of effectiveness. Pest control experts have the proper training, tools, and products to inspect thoroughly and treat correctly. Their expertise gives professional Formosan termite treatments the best chance for success.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover termite damage?
Most standard policies do not cover termite damage. However, additional riders are available to cover treatment costs plus repairs in the event termites infest the dwelling. Speak with your insurance agent about your termite risks.
How long does a termite treatment last?
Depending on the products used, termiticide barriers can provide three to five years of protection before reapplication is needed. Termite baiting systems provide ongoing control as long as stations remain monitored and maintained. Annual inspections help ensure your past treatment is still actively protecting your home.
