Formosan Subterranean Termite

Coptotermes formosanus

Color: Cream White

Size: 3 – 5 mm

Shape: Large, oval head, strong jaw

Nutrition: Cellulose-based wood

Habitat: Southern China, Louisana, Florida and Texas

By Photo by Scott Bauer. - This image was released by the Agricultural Research Service, the research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, with the ID k8204-7 (next)., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=398939

General Behavior

They build huge underground colonies. They build mud tubes. They like to live in hot and humid climates.

Their colonies are crowded and can reach millions of individuals.

They show aggressive behavior and fight with local termites.

Breeding is more frequent in spring and summer.

They build mud tubes to protect their food sources.

Threats

They damage structures such as buildings, bridges and trees.

They feed faster than other subterranean termites.

Their infestations cause repair and control costs.

They damage power lines.

How Do We Recognize Infestation?

Mud tunnels in areas such as walls and floors

Sightings of flying termites in light sources,

Hollowing out of wooden structures and structural damage.