What Do Formosan Termites Look Like?
Formosan termites are small, winged insects that are brown in color. They are typically about ¼ inch long and have two pairs of wings that are equal in size. Formosan termites also have straight antennae and a small waist. If you see any insects matching this description around your home, there's a good chance they're Formosan termites.
One of the main ways to tell Formosan termites apart from other subterranean termites is by their size. Formosan termites are typically smaller than most subterranean termites. Another way to tell them apart is by their color. Formosan termites are brown, while other subterranean termites are white. Finally, you can tell them apart by their wings. Formosan termite wings are equal in size, while other subterranean termite wings are not.
Where Do Formosan Termites Live?
Formosan termites typically live in the soil around your house.
However, they can also be found in:
- Cracks in concrete
- Between joints in wood
- Insulation
- Crawl spaces
- Attics or roofs
If you suspect you have Formosan termites in your house, look for mud tubes on the outside of your house. These tubes are made out of dirt and saliva and are used by Formosan termites to travel from the ground to their nesting site. You can also try tapping on the walls in your house. If you hear a clicking noise, it could be an indication that there are termites present.
Formosan termites may also be found elsewhere on your property, such as in trees, bushes, or in mulch. If you find any of these insects on your property, it's important to take action right away.
Formosan Termites vs. Subterranean Termites: Key Differences
While Formosan termites are technically a type of subterranean termite, there are a few key differences between these two kinds of termites:
- One of the biggest differences is the size of their colonies. Formosan termite colonies can have up to several million members, while other subterranean termite colonies only have around 60,000 members.
- Another difference is that Formosan termites can fly, while most subterranean termites cannot.
- Formosan termites typically build their mud tubes above ground, while subterranean termites build theirs underground.
- Formosan termites are also known for being able to eat through concrete, metal, and other materials that subterranean termites cannot.
While both Formosan termites and other subterranean termites can cause a lot of damage to your home, Formosan termites are generally considered to be more destructive. This is because they eat through tougher materials, have larger colonies, and can fly, which allows them to spread more easily. If you think you may have a Formosan termite infestation, it's best to contact a professional to get rid of it.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Formosan Termites In McAllen
Many homeowners, when discovering a termite problem, try to treat the infestation themselves. Unfortunately, DIY methods are generally ineffective, as they fail to treat an entire colony. Getting rid of a termite problem can take time, but it's important to make sure that they're completely gone before stopping treatment. Otherwise, they may come back and infest your home again.
If you have a severe infestation, the best way to get rid of termites is to hire pest control professionals like BUGWORKS Termite & Pest Control. We have more than 18 years of experience in dealing with Formosan termites and other pests. If you have any questions about Formosan termite control in McAllen or how to get rid of them, feel free to give us a call and get started on our effective termite control services along with home pest control and commercial pest control services. We would be happy to help.