
All kinds of termites can cause damage to homes, but some types are worse than others. One of these species, known as the Formosan subterranean termite, is among the species that cause the most destruction. It’s important to learn more about Formosan subterranean termites, so you can protect your home from these particularly destructive pests with Okatie termite control.
Where Did They Come From?
Formosan subterranean termites aren’t native species. They came to the U.S. from southern China, Taiwan and Japan thanks to transportation on ships. These termites were first spotted in the U.S. in Charleston in 1957, and it didn’t take long for them to make an appearance in other areas, including Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, the Carolinas and even Hawaii.
What Makes These Super Termites?
Formosan subterranean termites have the distinction of being known as super termites due to their voracious appetites. Their queens produce many more eggs so they can expand their colonies in record time, which makes them even more difficult to deal with. Whereas native termites have colonies that number in the hundreds of thousands, Formosan termite colonies number in the millions. This means that homeowners face a higher risk of having extensive damage done to their homes in a shorter period of time.
Formosan subterranean termites are estimated to cause more than $1 billion in damage per year. Keep in mind that these termites are also able to chew their way through other materials as well, including plastic and plaster.
When you need dependable Okatie termite control services, you can count on Island Pest Control. Our state-licensed techs are experts at finding and dealing with termite infestations in SC homes.