Formosan subterranean termites in Texas

While most native subterranean termites in our area started swarming in early Spring, you may have been hearing a lot more about the Formosan subterranean termites. Formosan termites have been very active lately due to the warmer weather and recent heavy rains.

Formosan subterranean termites prefer warm climates and have been identified and are heavily abundant in the southern coastal states.

It’s interesting to note the first infestations of Formosan termites in the United States were discovered in 1956 via the Houston Ship Channel in Pasadena, Texas. Since then, Formosan termites have been found in 30 Texas counties and infestations have been identified in all the major metropolitan areas in Texas.

Formosan termites are sometimes known as super termites mainly due to their overly aggressive nature. Formosan termites cause the same type of damage as other subterranean termites however, they cause this damage more rapidly than native subterranean termites.

Formosan termites also differ from native termites in that swarming will usually occurs in the evening hours following a warm, rainy day in the late spring or early summer.

In addition to structures, Formosan termites will infest living trees, shrubs, utility poles, landscape timbers, wooden railroad trusses and even boats. They have been known to chew through the coverings of telephone wires and even electric cable insulation. This can result in costly damage and even power outages in cities.

The Formosan Termites colony size typically is larger than other subterranean colonies. They will build nests in the soil and use mud tubes to bring moisture to their colonies. In the search for food to sustain the colony, Formosan termites can create elaborate tunnels and chambers in and around your home and have been known to sometimes nest in walls.

Termites require food and moisture to survive.

As the homeowner, some of the things you can do to help identify a termite issue early would be:

• Identify and eliminate sources of moisture by diverting rainwater away from the foundation and repairing leaks.
• Check for pencil sized mud tubes around the foundation, wooden structures or other structural supports that are built by termites in their search for food.
• Check for dropped wings of swarmers

The identification of Formosan termite is considered a serious structural pest whenever it occurs. If you have seen swarmers in or around your home, this is a good indication termites are nearby. Nobody wants to discover termites of any kind but early detection and preparation can keep homeowner costs down.

Have your professional pest provider conduct a home inspection to locate conducive conditions and discuss options for keeping termites at bay. If you think you may have termites or other pest issues, contact  Bio-Tech Pest Control today at 281-296-6022.

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