What Are Formosan Termites?
Formosan termites are a species of subterranean termites that are native to southern China but have been found in the United States since 1956, when they were likely unintentionally brought over on cargo ships. Because Formosan termite eggs do not hatch in temperatures colder than around 68 °F, these termites are primarily found in southern states, including Louisiana. Nicknamed “super-termites” due to the huge amount of damage they can cause in a short amount of time, home and business owners should keep an eye out for signs of Formosan termite infestations and contact a termite control professional as soon as possible!
What Do Formosan Termites Look Like?
There are three castes in a Formosan colony: alates (also known as swarmers), soldiers, and workers. Formosan termite swarmers, the winged reproductive members of the colony, are typically about ½” long, including their wings, with tan bodies. Formosan termite soldiers, the members that defend the colony from ants and other insects, are orange-brown in color and are typically about ¼” long with mandibles. Finally, Formosan termite workers, the members of the colony that do the most damage to wooden structures, are typically white in color and can be difficult to differentiate from other termite species’ workers.
Are Formosan Termites Causing Damage In Your Home?
Some indicators that Formosan termites have taken up residence in your home or building include:
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
- Visible tunnels in wood structures
- The presence of winged swarmers inside your home or building
- Discarded wings near windows or doors
- Cracks or a bubbling appearance in your exterior paint
- Mud tubes on exterior walls, which are tunnel-like structures made of soil and termite saliva that termites build to travel between their underground colonies and their food sources above ground
DIY Formosan Termite Prevention
Below is a short and simple list of DIY approaches to prevent termite damage and infestations:
- Keep woodpiles and debris away from your home’s foundation.
- Fix leaks and eliminate standing water near your home.
- Seal gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior.
- Use treated wood for any ground contact.
- Maintain gutters and downspouts to keep water away from your home.
Contact Pied Piper Pest Control!
If you have any questions about Formosan termites, termite inspections, or if you believe your New Orleans area home is being damaged by these insects, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Pied Piper Pest Control! We have years of experience dealing with termites and can deal with the problem quickly, efficiently, & affordably! Give us a call at (504) 366-1333 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!