Formosan Subterranean Termite

Formosan subterranean termites live in large colonies in the ground, building vertical tunnels that look like mud tubes above ground level so that they can search for food.

Formosan Subterranean termites can form tunnels through cracks in concrete, so slab homes are not exempt from these termites. Unlike Subterranean termites, Formosan Subterranean termites do not need to stay in contact with the soil in order to survive. They are able to survive in wall voids by building cartoon material made up of their feces.

Formosan Subterranean termites usually swarm in late spring or early summer, but small flights can occur at any time of the year.

Signs of infestation

Swarms
You may see swarms of winged male and female Formosan Subterranean termites in the evening around street laps or porch lights, usually after a rain when proper conditions occur.

Discarded Wings
You may find discarded wings of swarmers on window sills, in the attic, or any place where there’s an opening in the wood.

Mud Tubes/Tunnels
Subterranean termites live in colonies in the ground, building vertical tunnels that look like mud tubes above ground level so that they can search for food. Because Subterranean termites will die if exposed to air for an extended period of time, the tunnels provide protection from the open air allowing workers to carry food to the nest. Subterranean termites can form tunnels through cracks in concrete, so slab homes are not exempt from these termites

Termite VS Ant

Termites and ants look very similar, but it’s important to know the difference, because different methods are used to control each pest.

Formosan Termite Treatment

Foundation Treatment
Foundation treatments involve the application of termiticides to foundation elements. The objective of this treatment is to create a barrier by placing termiticides inside of concrete block/multiple brick walls where voids exist. This is accomplished by drilling foundation elements and injecting termiticides. Drilling and treating foundation elements allows termiticides to be placed on top of concrete footings where cracks may exist. In addition, where evidence of either past or present subterranean termite infestation exists, voids in multiple masonry foundation elements must be drilled and treated at a minimum distance of four feet in all directions from such evidence.

Baits/Monitoring Systems
These systems are a recent innovation in termite control. Termiticide baits control termites by eliminating or reducing the size of the termite colony. They do not create a barrier around the structure, as do the liquid insecticides discussed earlier. Presently, termiticide baits are either insect growth regulators (IGRs) or slow acting poisons. The use of termiticide baits can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for a conventional liquid insecticide.

Wood Treatment
This type of treatment involves applications of termiticides directly to wood to eliminate existing termite infestations or to make the wood resistant to termites. There are several supplemental ways in which wood treatments are used in the pest control industry.

Pressure-treated wood is frequently used in the construction of buildings and provides effective termite control if it is used for all wood construction, at least to the ceiling level of the first floor.

Spraying termiticides on the wood already in place provides only surface protection and doesn’t penetrate to the center of the wood, where it is most needed.

In damaged wood, termiticide can be injected into the cavities made by termites. This will provide better control than will a brush or spray application.

Physical Barriers
Bevis pest control uses the Polyguard term products for physical barriers