Formosan subterranean termites strike fear in the hearts of homeowners, particularly residents of Hawaii and the southern United States.
According to a report by the Department of Agriculture, they’re one of the most destructive pests in the country. Each year, over $1 billion is spent in the U.S. for preventive and remedial treatment and to repair damage caused by Formosan termites.
Despite myths to the contrary, Formosan termites can’t chew through concrete; nor can they leap tall buildings in a single bound. Even so, they’re often referred to as “super termites” because they’re aggressive, able to build nests above ground and form extremely large colonies.
While native termite colonies often number in the hundreds of thousands, Formosan colonies include millions of individuals. One Formosan queen can live as long as 20 years and lay as many as 2,000 eggs a day.
About Formosan Termites
Formosan termites are native to China and migrated to North America on military transports returning from World War II. They are now found in at least 11 states, including Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
Formosan termites are rarely found farther north than 35° N latitude because their eggs can’t hatch below 68°F.
Preventing Their Spread
The best way to prevent an infestation of Formosan termites is to make your home uninviting by cutting off their access to food and water.
To accomplish this goal:
- Remove dead trees as well as scrap wood, paper and cardboard from your yard.
- Prevent wood from coming into direct contact with bare ground around your home.
- Use pressure-treated wood for structures at or near ground level.
- Anchor wooden posts for fences, decks, porches and sheds in cement.
- Eliminate wooden planters, tubs, trellises and stakes.
- Keep plants and landscaping materials at least a foot away from buildings.
- Avoid using wood chips for mulch close to the house.
- Install and maintain rain gutters to direct water away from the walls and roof of the house.
- Add downspout extenders to deliver runoff at least a foot away from the foundation.
- Repair leaks in outdoor faucets, indoor fixtures, water lines, drains and appliances immediately.
I have found a bunch of dead formosans in my attic. I think that thye are comign in during outside swarms through my ridge vents.
I find no sign of damamge anywhere.
How concerned should I be? What action should I take?
You are correct that the formosan termite alates can get into an attic during their swarm. If there are only a few dozen, I would not worry. As long as the house is sound and there are no roof leaks, anything entering the house will die. If there are hundreds, then they may be emerging from wood in the attic. They could also be drywood termite alates. They are both similar in appearance.
Either way it is always a good idea to have your house under termite control contract. Make sure to schedule your annual inspection. Be there for the inspection and follow the technician around to make sure they are thorough.
Chris
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with the Today’s Homeowner community, Chris!
TH community members helping other TH community members — we love it. 🙂