Having Formosan termites in your home or on your property can lead to severe damage in less than a year. These termites can eat through wood without detection, and their colonies can number in the millions. You’ll need professional Hilton Head termite treatment promptly if you have a Formosan termite problem. You can also have your property treated to prevent these pests from invading.
Formosan Termite Identification
What do Formosan termites look like? These termites are a yellowish-brown color and can measure about 1.5 inches in length when they are fully grown. Their heads are tapered in the front and more rounded on each side. These termites have straight antennae, broad waists and wings that are equal in size. These features can help you differentiate them from flying ants, which have a narrow waist, bent antennae and wings of different lengths.
Formosan Termite Colonies
These termites, which are an invasive species from China, can establish colonies with millions of members. Each colony contains a caste of reproductive alates, a caste of workers and a caste of soldiers. These termites typically build nests underground and construct mud tubes to provide them with safe ways to get to wood sources. In some cases, Formosan termites form a second colony in the upper parts of homes if they have steady access to moist wood sources.
Formosan Termite Behavior
Formosan termites are known to swarm in late spring and summer. Certain members of the colony swarm in order to find mates and form new colonies. When they swarm, they usually do so in very large groups.
When it comes to feeding behavior, Formosan termites have big appetites and can easily chew through wood walls, trees and utility poles. Some can even cause power outages by gnawing through electrical cables. These termites prefer moist sources of wood, which sets them apart from drywood termites that prefer dry wood sources.
When you have leaks or other plumbing issues that provide them with moist wood, you can end up with a serious termite problem. Hilton Head termite treatment can eliminate them, but this needs to be done promptly to prevent additional damage to your home.
Signs of Formosan Termite Infestations
There are certain signs to look for that can indicate a Formosan termite problem. Some of these signs to be on the lookout for include the following:
– Termites: Since they tend to remain hidden inside walls, you’re not likely to see them. However, you should be aware of what they look like and get help if you see them.
– Swarmers: These colony members are easily spotted when they swarm in big groups. Keep in mind that they’re attracted to light sources.
– Discarded wings: Flying termites leave piles of wings near homes after swarming. You might see them close to windows and doors.
– Mud tubes: Seeing mud tubes attached to your home’s exterior can mean that termites are getting inside. Since other termites also build these tubes, you’ll need Hilton Head termite treatment either way.
– Hollow wood: Tapping on wood inside your home can alert you to termites. Wood that sounds hollow can mean that Formosan termites have damaged it. In some cases, you might see wood that has been chewed on.
Dealing with Formosan Termites
It’s important to have Hilton Head termite treatment done if you have these pests in your home. Since their colonies are so large, professionals are needed to find the nest and thoroughly eliminate the entire colony. Even if you don’t have these termites, you can have treatment done that helps prevent infestations from forming.
If you’re worried about Formosan termites damaging your home, contact Island Pest Control. We can provide you with Hilton Head termite treatment that lowers your risk of having these pests invade. If you already have them, our team can get rid of them.
