How was the Formosan termite introduced?
Photograph by Nan-Yao Su, University of Florida. The Formosan subterranean termite generally invades structures from the ground. They commonly enter through expansion joints, cracks and utility conduits in slabs. Any wood-to-ground contact is an inviting entrance for Formosan subterranean termite infestations.
Where did Formosan termites originate?
southern China
The Formosan termite was described from Taiwan (Formosa) in the early 1900s, but is native to southern China. Formosan termites have long been a pest in Hawaii, dating back to 1905, but were not discovered in the continental states until 1956.
What is the difference between Formosan and subterranean termites?
Formosan termites have a longer body and a shorter head with two short pinchers. The subterranean termites have long heads and bodies with long pinchers. Formosan termites have a translucent orange color while the subterranean species has a translucent gray/brown color.
How did the Formosan subterranean termite get to the US?
By 1965 colonies of Formosan termites were appearing in the southern states. It has been theorized that soldiers returning to the US from southeast Asia brought Formosan termites back with them, not deliberately of course.
What do Formosan termites eat?
cellulose
Diet. Like most termites, the Formosan subterranean termite mostly eats cellulose-based materials like paper, wood and cardboard. The workers eat the cellulose material, and they rely on bacteria and flagellates in their guts to aid the digestion of the material.
What is Formosan treatment?
Formosan Termite Treatment and Control There are termiticides and baits such as the Hex Pro Termite Baiting System have been successful at getting rid of Formosan Termites, as well as other termite species. Bora Care can be used as a wood treatment to help prevent Formosan termite infestations.
Do Formosan termites make mud tunnels?
Everywhere they go, Formosan termites build mud tunnels for safe travel, even below ground where their nest and many foraging tunnels are located.
How are Formosan termites treated?
Do Formosan termites eat concrete?
Contrary to popular myth, FORMOSAN SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES DO NOT EAT CONCRETE nor can the soldier’s defensive fluid dissolve holes in concrete. These rumors continue because Formosan subterranean termites are always digging through the soil.