Formosan Termites Are Tenacious & Resourceful Pests

Several different termite species make their homes in the warm, dry regions of the Southern United States, but none is more dangerous and costly than the Formosan termite. Originally from East Asia, Formosan termites were inadvertently brought to the United States during the second half of the twentieth century.

After establishing colonies in and around port cities, they soon spread to other parts of the country, particularly the American South. Houston, Fort Worth, and Dallas termite services are fighting hard to combat the rampant spread of these insects. Formosan termite soldiers have oblong heads, whereas other species indigenous to North America tend to have more rectangular heads. Formosan termite soldiers are markedly more aggressive when defending their colonies from attackers than indigenous species. When the soldiers engage a threat, they release a white liquid that is used for defense.

Formosan termites are mostly subterranean species and prefer to build their nests beneath the soil. They commonly invade and begin to consume wooden structures that are in contact with the ground. However, they’ve also been known to construct tubes made of mud that extend off the ground, allowing them to reach otherwise unattainable heights in relative safety.

Formosan termites build carton or honeycomb-like structures that help retain moisture, enabling them to build nests that don’t require them to return to the surface for water. Termite colonies can grow to incredible sizes with individuals sometimes numbering in the millions. Termite queens can often lay over 1,000 eggs per day. In late spring or early summer, Formosan termite colonies will produce swarms of winged males and females. These insects will, with luck, find a mate and some will proceed to find new colonies.

When termites infest a wooden structure, whether it’s a tree or a wooden support beam inside the home, they consume cellulose and extract nutrients from it, leaving behind smooth-sided galleries. If you suspect that termites might be present in your home, keep a sharp eye out for sagging walls or ceilings, as these might be signs of severe and advanced infestations.

The Formosan termite alone is responsible for upwards of $1 billion in damages in the United States every year. Their voracious appetites for wood mean that property damages are on the rise all across the South.

Cantu Pest & Termite is proud to be the first company in Texas to offer our Cantu Green Service pest services to our customers in search of a more prevention-based solution to their pest removal while minimizing the use of pesticides.

If termites or other pests have made unwanted appearances around your home or business, call Cantu Pest & Termite and schedule an appointment today with one of our friendly, experienced termite removal experts in Dallas.