Residents of West Florida are all too familiar with invasive species of termites and the extensive damage they can cause. One species stands out as more formidable than the rest, and that is the Formosan subterranean termite. Once they have established a colony, they are notoriously difficult to eradicate. To determine the best way to get rid of these pests, it helps to understand the basic facts of this particular kind of insect.

Where Did They Come From?

The Formosan termite is native to southern China, and were discovered in the United States in the mid-1950s. They are generally considered to have arrived here on cargo shipments of wood. Today, they typically stick to warm, humid southern states like the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and other states with similar climates.

Where Do They Live?

Formosan subterranean termites are attracted to moist environments, and mostly live in massive underground colonies. These colonies can forage more than 300 feet from their colonies, can contain millions of termites, and can often be 10 times the size of other subterranean termite species.  Such large numbers of termites can cause hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. They are known to build carton nests in the interior walls of buildings and homes; they also infest trees, shrubs, utility poles, wooden railroad trusses, and virtually anywhere that contains damp wooden structures.

What Do They Eat?

Like most termites, Formosans primarily consume cellulose based products. These items make up the majority of the their diet, but they can also have the ability to chew through substances like foam insulation boards, plaster, and other materials. The wide variety of items these pests can destroy makes them much more destructive than other kinds of termites.

What To Do If You Find Them?

The easiest way to deal with a Formosan termite infestation is to treat your property before they even have a chance to enter. By preemptively treating your home or property for termites, you’ve already won half the battle. If you do happen to find these pests lurking around, it’s best to immediately call a pest control specialist. Bug Out Service will come to your property, complete an inspection, and customize a treatment plan to address the infestation.

Bug Out’s qualified technicians are experienced and trained to effectively treat for Formosan termites, as well as a variety of other common household pests. We offer preventative treatments and ongoing maintenance for both residential and commercial customers. If you need quality pest control services that work, call Bug Out today!