Color: Yellowish brown
Legs: 6
Shape: Long, narrow, oval
Size: 1/2 inch in length
Antennae: True
Originally from China, Formosan termites are the most voracious, aggressive and devious of over 2,000 termite species known to science. Formosan termites are a subterranean species of termite. Swarmer formosan termite are about 1/2 inch in overall length, including their wings.
Formosan termites thrive in warm, humid climates and are commonly found in soil, wood, or inside the walls of homes and buildings. They can build massive underground colonies that extend several feet into the ground.
Because of their aggressive nature, formosan termites are difficult to control once they infest a structure. So prevention is key.
Formosan termites are the most aggressive subterranean termite species. Formosans are organized into huge underground colonies, and build intricate mud nests inside the walls of a structure.
Avoid water accumulation near your home’s foundation. Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in your yard.
Most importantly, eliminate wood contact with the soil. Keep a one-inch gap between the soil and wooden parts of your building.
Formosan termites are an aggressive, invasive species of subterranean termite and have large colonies. They are destructive feeders, so they can cause significant structural damage to homes and buildings much faster than other termite species.
Formosan termites usually swarm from late May to June—they peak in early to mid-May. Unlike native subterranean termites that swarm during the day, Formosan termites swarm at dusk. They are attracted to lights on humid, warm, windless evenings.
Working with a professional pest control company such as RK Environmental, is the most effective way to help get rid of formosan termites. We target them using bait stations and specialist termite control treatments to eliminate formosan termite colonies while ensuring your facility remains in full compliance with food safety and pharmaceutical manufacturing standards, avoiding any disruption to your production lines.