Formosan termites are a type of subterranean termite that nests within the soil around your home. They invade structures from the soil directly where the wood and ground make contact.

Do I have them in my home?

If you are unsure if you have Formosan termites in your home, there are a few signs in which you would be able to know. Look for thin, packed dirt trails along the foundation, concrete or brick piers, interior or exterior wall and around the doors and windows. Termites use these dirt tubes to reach the foundation of your home. If you notice a swarm coming from inside the home, then that is a sign of an infestation in which case you should contact a pest control professional immediately

Formosan Habits

Formosan termites can build intricate nests in the soil and they are able to chew through wood, flooring and wallpaper. Formosan colonies are able to chew through one foot of 2X4 wood in 25 days.

Formosan Threats

Formosan termites are aggressive by nature. They are difficult to control once they infest a structure. A mature Formosan colony can cause severe structural damage to a home in as little as six months. It is best to have preventative efforts set in place around your home before a Formosan infestation.

Formosan Prevention

Avoid any accumulation of water near the foundation of your home. Try to divert water away with functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce the level of humidity within your crawl space with ventilation and never bury wood scraps or lumber in your yard. To prevent termites from reaching your foundation, maintain a one-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building.