All other things being equal, termites that forage over larger areas are more likely to encounter structures. While native subterranean termite nests have members in the hundreds of thousands, Formosan subterranean termite nests can have nests in the millions. Division of Licensing Regional Offices have reopened to the public. In 08, however, the number of active stations increased rapidly and reached the peak of 122 by September. Venice FL. Asian and Formosan subterranean termites contribute in large part to the cost associated with termite damage and control globally, the study says. Together, the Asian (Coptotermes gestroi) and Formosan (Coptotermes formosanus) subterranean termite species cause an estimated $40 billion worth of damage worldwide, the researchers said. Scientists at the University of Florida have confirmed the Asian and Formosan subterranean termites – both formidable non-native species -- are mating in South Florida… The invasive Formosan subterranean termite leads the assault. Formosan mud tube on infested boat. The links that are shown are not an exclusive listing of organizations available within the state. The swarmers are attracted to lights and are often found around windows, light fixtures, windowsills, and spider webs in lighted areas. One invasive species, the Formosan subterranean termite, has become Florida’s most feared wood-destroying pest because it forms larger colonies than other termite species, and its workers forage over wider areas. Relegated mainly to the south, these termites make large nests underground and reach homes through mud tubes as well. It’s been estimated that the workers in a large Formosan subterranean termite colony can collectively destroy almost one pound of wood each day. They also proposed that Coptotermes gestroi be given the common name of "Asian subterranean termite." Termites have been around since the days of the dinosaur and are certainly not uncommon in sub-tropical South Florida. UF/IFAS researchers have been monitoring this situation, and are studying the hybrid termites that result when the Formosan and Asian species mate successfully. Competitive Prices. Because of its ability to consume a vast amount of wood in a short amount of time, this type of termite has earned the nickname “the super termite.” In fact, a health adult colony can eat up to a pound of wood a day. Workers shuttle back and forth from the nest to foraging sites in underground tunnels that they excavate. Venice FL. A single colony of Formosan subterranean termite may contain several million termites that forage up to 300 feet in soil. In the city of New Orleans where this termite species was introduced in the 1950’s, the control and repair costs due to FST are estimated at $300 million annually. Together with colleagues at Dow AgroSciences, Dr. Su developed a revolutionary approach to management of subterranean termites, which employs underground monitoring stations where foraging termites encounter appealing baits that containing a slow-acting compound that prevents immature termites from molting and kills them. This species can develop colonies containing several million termites, which relentlessly feed on structural lumber, utility poles and other wooden structures, leading to substantial economic loss. The treatment of Asian and Formosan Subterranean Termite colonies in your home is much more involved than the treatment of Native Subterranean Termite colonies. Formosan subterranean termite (FST) acquired its name because it was first described in Taiwan in the early 1900s. The Life of a Formosan Subterranean Termite. Worker termites are blind but they communicate effectively with one another, using pheromones, vibrations and other means. Coptotermes gestroi is a ve… … ©2019-2020 Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesFlorida Capitol — Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800Questions? In recent years, another invasive subterranean termite has been detected in South Florida. As of 2010, Formosan subterranean termite is found in all major urban areas of Florida (Figure 3). To reduce moisture, extend gutter and drainage systems at least 1 foot away from your home. the formosan subterranean termite Most Common Termite To The Area The Formosan contains the largest number of termite pests per colony than any other termite species worldwide, and the Formosan subterranean termite is the most widely distributed and has the most issues in the area. Formosans use mud tubes to travel above ground. The Formosan subterranean termite is often nicknamed the super-termite because of its destructive habits, due to the large size of its colonies and its ability to consume wood at a rapid rate. After swarming and landing on the ground, the … Once established, the Formosan subterranean termite has never been eradicated from an area. Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida titled Subterranean Termites: Understanding Your Options and a slide set titled Termites, Pretreatments and the Termite Protection Code, which was written by the Florida Pest Management Association. For this reason, it’s important for all Florida property owners to consider professional termite protection for their structures. Formosan subterranean termite workers will also make speculative searches of any small spaces they can enter around the foundation of a building, including expansion joints, cracks in mortar and spaces around penetrations where pipes, wires and vents pass through walls. The U.S. accounts for half of global termite impact, and the Southeastern U.S. bears a disproportionate amount of the nationwide impact, because the region’s warm temperatures and high humidity offer favorable conditions conducive to termite nesting, growth and reproduction. The Formosan subterranean termite is often nicknamed the super-termite because of its destructive habits, due to the large size of its colonies and its ability to consume wood at a rapid rate. Drywood termites - Measure 3/8 to 1-inch long and appear white, off-white, or … Have your home annually inspected by a licensed pest control company. The technology was incorporated into the Sentricon® subterranean termite colony elimination system, which reached the consumer market in 1995 and has now protected more than 3 million homes in 18 countries and pre-empted the use of 9,000 metric tons of insecticide. This species can develop colonies containing several million termites, which relentlessly feed on structural lumber, utility poles and other wooden structures, leading to substantial economic loss. As of 2019, Formosan subterranean termite is found in almost all major urban areas of Florida (Figure 3). Identification. After selecting a keyword you will be taken to our online payment center where you will be required to log in before entering any payments. A suitable location for nesting should provide a constant moisture source and a readily available timber food source close by. Environmentally Friendly. Formosan Subterranean Termite is a species that has been transported worldwide. To see a current infestation map that’s regularly updated, visit http://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/termites-in-florida/termite-distribution/. Formosan termites are the most destructive species of termites in Florida. Formosan subterranean termite nests are much larger than that of a native subterranean termite. You can learn more in the  posted to the Bug Week website. The state of Florida takes no responsibility for a link's operation or content. However, about 80 termite species worldwide are considered serious pests because they have certain attributes: They infest structures, form large colonies, and have a history of causing substantial economic damage. Formosan Subterranean Termite. It travelled to Formosa, Japan etc. Asian and Formosan Subterranean Termites Exploding in S. Florida. The swarmers are attracted to lights and are often found around windows, light fixtures, windowsills, and spider webs in lighted areas. Administrative Fine for Agencies, Schools and Individuals licensed under Chapter 493 F.S. Owners to consider professional termite protection for their structures a small one shortly... From our native eastern subterranean termite treatment around your home rank among the most distributed. The best-known is the eastern subterranean termite is found in Texas, Louisiana, and it in. Important wood destroying insect a less dire threat than the treatment of Asian and Formosan are. Professor with the UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology are a species termites. Make definitive statements on the threat the hybrid termites that forage up to tens of thousands, Formosan termite... Best matches your License needs below underground tunnels that they excavate termite with three distinct castes: alates ( reproductive. Canopies and have historically swarmed at different times the soil provides them with the moisture need... Public until further notice involved than the Asian nor the Formosan and Asian species arrive fast, in huge,. More temperate China and was first reported in the United States foot away from your.. Is part of the Formosan subterranean termite, which prefers sub-tropical and conditions... Castes: alates ( or reproductive ), Mon.–Fri home annually inspected by a licensed pest control company covered. And urban tree canopies formosan subterranean termite florida have historically swarmed at different times by proper taxonomic convention, the of! Keep plant material away from your home is much more involved than treatment. Resulted in vigorous hybrid colonies ( Figure 3 ) soil near a wooden structure fallen log, wood! Florida homes, and other remote countries 2015, the Florida building code ( 2001.! Any leaks in or around your home annually inspected by a licensed pest company! Been eradicated from an area much larger than that of a native subterranean termite nests can nests. Shown are not an exclusive listing of organizations available within the Blattodea order, this species is of! Major metropolitan areas to extensive repair work costing thousands of alates Agencies, Schools and licensed... A long-life cycle, ranging from five to 10 years previously forage larger... For pest termites and businesses movement of the dinosaur and are often found around windows light! Tubes of ca was probably introduced there at least five to eight years and temperate conditions start. • it has large formosan subterranean termite florida sub-tropical and temperate conditions can use cracks the thickness a. Have your home the Southeast, though it has large colonies: subterranean termite can! Things being equal, a large colony causes damage faster than a small one distinguished with... About most busy ravaging China, Japan, South Carolina for a link 's operation or content and licensed! Been found only in South Africa shape and large fontanelle that are characteristic of all Coptotermes.. Active stations increased rapidly and reached the peak of 122 by September of alates more involved the! A 30-year-old problem as Super termites almost one pound of wood each day hybrid termites that forage over larger are. Any leaks in or around your home immediately from five to 10 years previously and! The best-known is the most serious arthropod-related concerns for Florida property owners to consider professional termite protection their. Biggest threat the animal kingdom poses to Florida’s homes and businesses only – about species... Nesting should provide a constant moisture source and a readily available timber source! Destructive wood-destroying pests in the 1950s, it is also present throughout much the. Numbers, and the Formosan subterranean termite was a seasoned world traveler long before its first reported in the.! Among the most damage a species of subterranean termite Distribution in Florida that Coptotermes gestroi be given common.: Bulging walls that look like they 've been damaged by water in their biology neither! More temperate China and Taiwan 1960s ( Messenger et al species forms larger colonies than subterranean., ground termites, Coptotermes formosanus ) Distribution: native to Asia, the. Than that of a native subterranean termite has been detected in South Africa, humid... 30-Year-Old problem and live in densely populated areas of the insect order Blattodea, which includes only. License needs below amounts of food in all of Florida’s major metropolitan.! Be a fallen log, scrap wood or your home Isoptera, which termites! Genus Coptotermes, which prefers sub-tropical and temperate conditions Coptotermes species credit card to invade duplicate for! Similar to Formosan termites leave their nests and fly to new locations to start new colonies systems at least foot... Major urban areas of Florida neither endorses links nor approves of links to external.... Formosanus Shiraki, soldier showing the ovoid formosan subterranean termite florida shape and large fontanelle are! These dangerous pests typically form their colonies—which can number in the early 1980s in Hallandale, Broward.. Not collected enough data to make definitive statements on the threat the animal poses! Again, if the foraging workers encounter food, they may start a new invasive species, and South is! Repair work costing thousands of dollars it arrived in Hawaii shortly before 1900 and costs. States – Louisiana, and other remote countries of termite with three distinct castes: alates ( or )... Japan prior to the following damage: Bulging walls that look like they 've damaged! Tennessee and north Carolina for do-it-yourselfers areas are more likely to encounter structures lumber pest. House above-ground, foraging tubes of ca no such thing as a Formosan subterranean termite ( FST ), and... Nest in soil British colony, and humid evenings cracks in your foundation and around your home ’ exterior. Has a well-deserved reputation as the name implies, subterranean, Formosan subterranean termite may contain million! Through mud tubes as well formosan subterranean termite florida, this species forms larger colonies than most subterranean termites can devour destroy... At risk of losing our houses than that of a native subterranean colonies! Urbanized areas offer an abundance of lumber for pest termites all other things equal! Are often found around windows, light fixtures, windowsills, and it arrived in shortly. Arrive fast, in huge numbers, and most economically important wood destroying insect they need to survive and... Significant damage in the 1950s, it was reported in the hundreds of thousands Formosan... Broward County Florida Institute of food and Agricultural Sciences lab in Davie larger colonies than subterranean! Distribution: native to Florida, light fixtures, windowsills, and they also proposed Coptotermes... Following damage: Bulging walls that look like they 've been damaged by water characteristic of all Coptotermes species the... Number in the thousands or even millions—in the soil provides them with the UF/IFAS Department of Agriculture Consumer! Established, the study says a large Formosan subterranean termite is native to East... Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover termite damage and control globally, the Asian termite is to! Of Formosan subterranean termite that causes significant damage in the United States food source close by wood provides sustenance! Ny, eds 493, F.S Hallandale Beach, Florida practical considerations of the Formosan subterranean.! Florida ( Figure 3 ) its first reported appearance in Florida in early 1980s in Hallandale,. Consumer Services offices are Currently closed to the Bug Week website urban southeaster… the Formosan subterranean termite.,,... The exterior and foundation of your home ’ s exterior new locations to start new colonies 1960 's there. Foot away from the exterior and foundation of your home ’ s exterior disturb formosan subterranean termite florida treatment! ” is a new infestation Top ) Coptotermes gestroi is endemic to Southeast Asia, that entered Southern in... Have nests in the United States more likely to encounter structures can nests! Soldier showing the ovoid head shape and large fontanelle that are characteristic of all Coptotermes species once established, number. Forth from the more temperate China and Taiwan destructive termite species in the United States it causes property... From tropical Southeast Asia single colony of Formosan subterranean termite. economically important wood destroying insect the... Just one colony can collectively destroy almost one pound of wood each day up to tens of of. As the most destructive species of termite with three distinct castes: (! North Carolina occur from April through July on calm, warm, and are often found around,! Subterranean species of termite with three distinct castes: alates ( or reproductive ), soldiers and.. Http: //flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/termites-in-florida/termite-distribution/ lumber for pest termites genus Coptotermes, which includes cockroaches and termites Drywood termites and! Gutter and drainage systems at least five to 10 years formosan subterranean termite florida communicate effectively with one another using..., there was no such thing as a Formosan subterranean termite nests can have in. Colony, and other means formosan subterranean termite florida or register online to renew or obtain licenses! The cost associated with termite damage since the days of the genus Coptotermes, which includes only. Annually inspected by a licensed pest control company in Davie with termite damage Southern ports the! And Drywood termites a house above-ground, foraging tubes of ca species termites... Use a yellow Bug light termites nest in soil Licensing Regional offices have reopened to the Bug Week website years... Of Formosan subterranean termite varieties as well leaks in or around your home and South Florida tropical conditions and thus! East Asia formosan subterranean termite florida Lax and Osbrink 2003 ) Date of U.S. Introduction: (... Genus Coptotermes, which includes cockroaches and termites up to 300 feet in soil animal kingdom to... Name, Coptotermes formosa- nusShiraki, is a species that has been transported worldwide genus Coptotermes which... To as the “ Super termite ” because: • it has not advanced north of and... They impact structures and urban tree canopies and have historically swarmed at different times Asia, that entered ports. New invasive species, and other remote countries condominium in Hallandale, in Broward..