Formosan Termite

Category: Termites

Scientific Name: C. formosanus

 

Identification:

Color: Creamy white to brown

Size: ½ inch long

Region: Found in California, Hawaii, and Southern states

Lifespan: 1-2 years

Important Considerations:

  • Of all the termite species, Formosan termites cause the most damage. They have nearly insatiable appetites for wood.
  • Formosan termites fall under the category of subterranean. All subterranean termites look extremely similar yet should be exterminated differently. For this reason, contacting a pest control agent is very important in identifying which termite species is the problem.
  • Colonies of Formosan termites can be large — sometimes having millions of members. With this many termites, wood damage can be significant in a short amount of time.

 

Where to Find Them on Your Property?

Formosan termites can form their colonies in three locations: underground, above ground in carton nests, or in aerial nests hanging from buildings. It can be hard to determine where your termites are residing because of this. Of course, though, termites follow wood. So, you are most likely to see them on your property on your trees, shrubs, utility poles, or on wooden structures.