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Formosan subterranean termite. The Formosan termite ( Coptotermes formosanus) is a species of termite local to southern China and introduced to Taiwan (formerly known as Formosa, where it gets its name), Japan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, [1] Hawaii, and the continental United States . The Formosan termite is often nicknamed the super-termite ...
- Introduction
- Distribution
- Description and Identification
- Life History
- Damage
- Pest Status
- Management
- Selected References
The genus Coptotermes contains the largest number of termite pests (28 species) among the >3,100 termite species worldwide, and the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, is the most widely distributed and most economically important. The Formosan subterranean termite acquired its name because it was first described in Taiwan in the...
As of 2019, the distribution of Formosan subterranean termite in the United States includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas (Figure 2). The Formosan subterranean termite was first reported in Florida in early 1980s in Hallandale, Broward County. But it was probably introduced...
As its name indicates, the Formosan subterranean termite is a subterranean termite species characterized by large populations that share interconnected foraging galleries in soil. When these termites invade a house above-ground, foraging tubes of ca. 0.25 to 0.5 inch diameter may be found connecting soil and the infested house (Figure 4). As with o...
A single colony of Coptotermes formosanus may produce over 70,000 alates. After a brief flight, alates shed their wings. Females immediately search for nesting sites with males following closely behind. When the pair finds a moist crevice with wooden materials, they form the royal chamber and lay approximately 15 to 30 eggs. Within two to four week...
A single individual of the Formosan subterranean termite does not consume more wood than a single native subterranean termite, however, because of its large population size, a Formosan subterranean termite colony can cause more structural damage in a shorter time. Wood products that are infested by Formosan subterranean termite may be recognized by...
Although their distribution in the United States is more restricted than other subterranean termites such as Reticulitermes species, Coptotermes formosanuscan cause substantial economic loss in infested areas. In the city of New Orleans where this termite species was introduced in the 1950's, the control and repair costs due to Formosan subterranea...
Preventive practice:Wood pressure-treated with preservatives (creosote, pentachlorophenol, inorganic salts such as alkaline copper quaternary or ACQ, etc.) are required by building codes for use at the point of wood-soil interface; primarily to prevent fungi decay. The Formosan subterranean termite does not damage pressure-treated wood but is capab...
Chouvenc T. 2018. Comparative impact of chitin synthesis inhibitor baits and non-repellent liquid termiticides on subterranean termite colonies over foraging distances: colony elimination versus lo...Grace JK, Tome CHM, Shelton TG, Oshiro RJ. 1996. Baiting studies and considerations with Coptotermes formosanus(Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Hawaii. Sociobiology 28: 511-520.Scheffrahn RH, Carrijo TF, Křeček J, Su NY, Szalanski AL, Austin JW, Chase JA, Mangold JR. 2015. A single endemic and three exotic species of the termite genus Coptotermes (Isoptera, Rhinotermitida...Scheffrahn RH, Su N-Y. 1994. Keys to soldier and winged adult termites (Isoptera) of Florida. Florida Entomologist 77: 460-474.Formosan termite aerial nests are more often encountered than those of eastern subterranean termites. In fact, they account for about 25% of the structural infestations in Florida and for about 50% of those in high-rise structures in Honolulu, Hawaii. Formosan termite queens can produce more than 1,000 eggs per day.
Like other subterranean termites, Formosan termites feed on materials that contain cellulose, but because of their larger colony size, they attack a greater variety of wood at a faster rate than do native subterranean termites. They have an enormous reproductive capacity and a typical colony may exceed 1 million insects.
An intensive survey of 50 structures infested with Formosan subterranean termites in Charleston, showed that 94% of the buildings were infested from ground-based colonies. Only 6% were infested by aerial colonies. An above-ground moisture source was the key component for Formosan subterranean termites to establish an aerial nest.
Habitat. Formosan termites are a type of subterranean termite that nests within the soil. They invade structures from the soil directly through wood to ground contact, or using mud tubes they construct up from the soil. Formosan termites also can construct a carton which helps retain moisture in the nest. This can allow them to build nests that ...
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Are Formosan subterranean termite colonies bigger than native termites?
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What is a Formosan termite?
Jun 16, 2023 · Colony Structure. Formosan termites are a type of subterranean termite known for their destructive nature and ability to cause severe damage to buildings and wood structures. Their colonies are highly organized, with a caste system consisting of a king, queen, soldiers, workers, and reproductives.
