If you own a home in Conroe, you should be aware of the Formosan termite. A common species of subterranean termite found throughout Texas and Louisiana. Formosan termites are particularly destructive to homes built on concrete slabs. In fact, most homeowners consider their presence an emergency situation because they can cause considerable damage in a very short period. Last year, we saw an abundance of Formosan Termite situations in Montgomery County. That includes Conroe, The Woodlands, Montgomery, and Magnolia. This year, we are expecting the same level, if not more intense Formosan Termite infestations. The warm and wet winter has made soil compositions ripe for Formosan Termite population growth, and we are fixing to see just how bad this year’s swarm is in a couple of weeks.
The Formosan termite, scientific name Coptotermes formosanus, is native to China and Taiwan. However, the species was discovered in the United States in 1984 when it infested several homes in Louisiana and spread across the southern U.S., according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Their colonies consist of numerous queens, making it difficult to eradicate the entire colony.
Formosan termites are much different from other species in several ways. They are another species that does not need soil to survive, which means they can live in either trees or man-made structures. What’s worse is that they are extremely fast reproducers. In a year, a termite colony can expand to include 3 million members. They also tend to build their nests in wood that is highly vulnerable to subterranean infestations, such as concrete slabs below homes and buildings.
In other words, if termites have been detected nearby or homeowners suspect they may have an issue, it’s important to act swiftly. As the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension warns, Formosan termites can cause serious damage in a very short amount of time when they invade homes like this. So homeowners who suspect there may be an issue should contact pest control professionals right away.
Unfortunately, treating Formosan termites can be complicated and costly, as the University of Florida IFAS Extension reports: Treating for Formosan subterranean termites is challenging because infestations often occur behind walls and other hidden locations. Subterranean termites travel freely through soil and use special tubes as shelter tubes to transport themselves into structures. This makes it difficult to directly treat termites or their shelter tubes with soil-applied insecticide baits. Also, since the Formosan subterranean termite is a large species of termite, it requires relatively larger amounts of fipronil than other subterranean termite species. This problem results in high costs for treatment and low consumer acceptance due to the expense.
Treating Formosan termites can be expensive, but homeowners who are concerned about their safety should understand that these pests are extremely destructive. They are known to invade homes where dry conditions prevail and they can also damage lawns, sidewalks and other areas around dwellings. Their presence is considered an emergency situation that must be handled immediately.
What Do Formosan Termites Look Like?
Adult Formosan termites are light brown in color, with a yellowish margin on their bodies. The worker termites (the ones that do most of the damage) are small, measuring from one-eighth of an inch to three-sixteenths of an inch long. Their heads are bent down, giving them a distinctive “snout”. Their antennae have 11 segments. These termites have three pairs of translucent wings with a brownish tint. The front wings of the males are slightly longer than those of the females, who have a wider “waist” or petiole.
Formosan termites do more damage to trees, but they can also infest homes and buildings where their populations grow large enough to cause serious problems. They are especially fond of wooden structures that are found in areas where the soil is dry. That’s why they can be easily found in and around homes and buildings, but they can also damage lawns and other vegetation.
Because Formosan termites like to eat moist wood, they have a craving for trees that have been damaged by storms. They will also infest homes and buildings in areas with weak lawns and other dry vegetation in moist climates.
Why Should I Be Concerned About Formosan Termites In 2022?
In a year, a single colony can expand to include three million members. The relatively mild and wet winter has made for a very problematic Spring. Formosan Termites swarm in the spring time. Their colonies can contain more than 100,000 members. They typically swarm at night when the weather is warm and humid, but they are attracted to bright lights as well.
Nests exist in moist soil at least 100 feet from a structure, but they will invade homes if their needs are not met. In one instance, a Formosan termite colony grew by 1.3 million members in just five years. The nest was found less than 20 feet from a condo in California.
In recent years, an even more dangerous termite has emerged in the Conroe area… and it is the Formosan Termite…
What Should You Do If You Think You Have Termites?
You should call CPL Pest Control! We promise to use the best in technology to detect whether you have Termites. Not only detect whether you have termites but determine what type of Termite you have. Each Termite requires a different type of treatment. That is why you shouldn’t trust just any team with your Termite treatment. Trust the experts, trust CPL Pest Control! Give us a call today for your FREE consultation and quote! Call 281-683-6737! As always, ask for Chris!
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