Hobbies And Interests
History
Formosan termites were first described at the start of the 20th century in Taiwan. By the1950s, this destructive species had been reported in both Sri Lanka and South Africa. By the 1960s it had reached Louisiana, South Carolina and Texas. According to the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, once a Formosan termite colony has been established, the species has never successfully been eradicated from an area.
Habitat
A single colony of Formosan termites can stretch for up to 300 feet and contain several million. Formosan termites infest a variety of structures such as houses, boats and even high-rise condominiums. When termites invade a structure, foraging tubes with a diameter of between 0.25 and 0.5 inches can be found. These quickly weaken the structural integrity of support beams and foundations, sometimes causing irreparable damage.
Prevalence
In 2010, according to the University of Florida, Formosan termites were present in the states of California, Georgia, Hawaii, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, North and South Carolina, and Alabama. Once a colony is established, it takes between three and five years for its population to reach a level capable of causing severe damage.
Identification
The immature Formosan termite is easiest to identify. Known as alates, they measure about half an inch in length and are a yellowish brown color. Their wings feature small hairs and the insects tend to swarm in large numbers in the evenings of the summer months. A single colony of Formosan termites can produce more than 70,000 alates. A wooden product infested by Formosan termites may make a hollow sound if knocked or feature a blistered or peeling surface.