How to Get Rid of Formosan Termites

Need to get rid of termites? Read on to learn the answers to all your important questions. Need help? Call our professionals today to get started.

What Are Formosan Termites?

As an insect that consumes wood in buildings and building materials, termites are considered the most destructive pest in the US economically by far. Termite damage, including the money spent on termite control, costs upwards of $40 billion in the US every year. The Formosan subterranean termite is the most economically damaging of all the termite species, making it the most economically damaging pest in the nation. 

Formosan termites are not native to the US. The name derives from the historical Portuguese name for the Island of Taiwan, which is where the species was first discovered. It is thought, however, that the Formosan termite originates in southern China. You can find the Formosan termite in the US in the South, ranging from Florida to Texas and as far north as Tennessee. Formosan termites can also be found in Hawaii. 

Why Are Formosan Termite Populations So Hard to Control?

Two characteristics of the Formosan subterranean termite make them particularly difficult to control. Firstly, unlike other subterranean termite colonies which contain up to hundreds of thousands of members, Formosan subterranean termite colonies include millions of individual termites. Secondly, they have a wider foraging range which reaches upwards of 300 feet. Soil insecticides are typically enough to eradicate other subterranean termite colonies, but due to the immense size and wide range of Formosan termite colonies, soil insecticides do not provide effective control. 

How to Get Rid of Formosan Termites

Since Formosan subterranean termite populations are so difficult to control, if you suspect that your home might have been invaded by these destructive pests, it is best to contact a pest care professional. Traditional soil insecticides and bait traps that are often used to treat other subterranean termite populations will largely be ineffective and costly, ending in a waste of your time, effort and money. 

Pest Control Experts

If you live in areas that have Formosan termite populations and you think that you may have termites in your home, contact a pest control professional immediately. These termites are a major concern due to the sheer size of Formosan termite colonies and the speed in which they can do major damage. Infestations are hard to remove without professional pest control assistance. Call Pest Control Experts today to help you find the right pest care specialist for your termite questions and needs.