No Warm And Fuzzy Feeling With Formosan Termites

The Formosan termites apparently had their origins in the southern part of China. As they took a ride across the waters to Taiwan, they picked up this nation’s former name and it has stuck ever since. Somewhere along the annals of history, man gave these pests an ill-fated ride to new lands. Landing themselves in ideal living conditions in the North American and South African continents as well as islands of Hawaii, they comfortable settled down and made themselves into household terrors in no time.

Although subterranean or below ground termites are not unknown to these areas, probably no one was ready to face the wrath of these newcomers. As they form an extensive network of tunnels and passages to cover a much wider area than their native peers, they also eat a lot more and much faster. It is therefore of no surprise when they are coined super termites as compared to their milder counterparts. With a much larger workforce, these pests are generally here to stay until there is nothing left to eat. Homes and commercial buildings are not spared as invasion is not confined to destruction of wood and cellulose components such as paper products. Foam boards, thin and soft metals, plaster as well as plastic form their dietary intake. If it tastes good, eat it. Many a battle often ends up in vain.

Having originated from a temperate environment, colder areas are thankfully spared of the Formosan termites. As their eggs require a certain temperature range to initiate hatching, chillier conditions are nature’s roadblocks. Even though general perception is that these creatures live and stay below ground, they go where the food is. As such, wooden structures such as houses, sheds and the like are not spared a visit if they are within the colony’s seeing, hearing and smelling distance. If one notices telltale signs of a visit, it is best to take immediate action else resign to the fate of one’s property being wiped out within a short span of time. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. If the owner will not act, the super termites will.

It is recommended to channel water flows away from the property. Other than general plumbing essential to daily life, underground streams irrigate the land and form an ideal environment for Formosan termites. Since prevention is better than cure, all steps taken to ensure one’s resident and belongings are not candidates for invasion is highly advisable.


Chris enjoys sharing articles on topics like formosan termites and California termite removal service.