Some Things That You Need to Know About Formosan Termites
Generally, the Formosan type of termite is considered as an invasive species of termite that it is even popularly called as the super termite because its capability to destroy properties in a short span of time. These types of termites are usually in large sizes. They are able to attack a property immediately because of their large number and their speed. Actually, one colony can contain almost seven million members unlike other termite types wherein it can contain only up to two million members.
The Formosan termites can forage as much as 100 meters of soil. This is quite extensive for regular termites. Aside from that, a single termite of this species is able to consume as much as 400 grams of wood per day. Truly, that is already a large amount and when combined with millions of members, it can definitely cause a building to collapse in an instant.
Once a Formosan type of termite would establish their colony in a certain area, it can never be completely eradicated. This type of termites would often infest various structures that can include large buildings such as condominiums. These termites cause severe property damage which would often result to expensive treatment and repair of the damages.
Like other termites, these termites are colonial and social insects. They build their colonies either above the ground or below the ground. They can even produce naphthalene for their protection. They are considered as social insects because they have a caste system. In their social class, they have their king, queen, soldiers, worker, and alates or reproductive class. The alates are winged termites that can reproduce and start their own colonies.
The workers in the colony are the food providers while the soldiers are the ones who protect the nest from invasion of predator ants. On the other hand, the highest class which is the queen has a life span of 15 years. The queen lays eggs approximately 2,000 eggs per day. While the queen can stay for up to fifteen years, the workers and the soldiers have a life span of three to five years.
This type of termites normally feed on wood products or those that contain cellulose. Therefore, paper and cardboard can also be a target of these termites. If you own a lot of books in your home, be prepared, for these Formosan termites might infest your beloved books aside from damaging your home.
Learn more about termite species and how to control them.
