The Formosan Termite
Your Chicagoland Guide on Formosan Termites
The Breakdown
COLOR |
SIZE |
LEGS |
DANGER/DESTRUCTION RATING |
---|---|---|---|
Yellow/Brown |
1/2 in |
Six |
HIGH |
The Formosan Termite
Formosan termites are said to have originally come from East Asia and made their way to the United States in the 1940s. Throughout the years, the species have continued to spread, possibly from infested wooden railroad stakes. These pests are yellowish-brown, have six legs and measure about 1/2 an inch long.
Unlike Drywood termites that avoid soil, formosan termites prefer to nest within soil and get into wooden structures from the soil. Formosans consume wood but, uniquely, they get their moisture by making a carton they keep in their nest.
The reason why it is so important to get a Formosan infestation taken care of right away is because of their ability to reproduce quickly. A queen can produce more than a thousand eggs in one day. When the winged termites are released from their colony, they are on a mission to make new ones.
Signs of an Infestation
Formosan Termites can cause severe damage to the structure of your home. Just like many other termites, these pests will eat at the wood parts of your home. If you have an infestation, you may start to notice the wood structure of your home begin to sag. If the situation really gets out of hand, your home may even start falling to pieces. Other things you will notice are smooth sided galleries on wood pieces, which is what these termites leave behind when they consume the wood.
As these termites start to get comfortable, especially during late spring and early summer, you will begin to see swarms of winged termites called reproductives. They look very similar to winged ants, however formosan termites have straight antennae’s and waists, and their front and hind wings are also of equal length.
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