Also known simply as: Subterranean Termites.

Origin:
Asian in origin, and now found in the United States as a severe pest in Hawaii, Florida and Louisiana as well as other Gulf Coast states. Formosan termites have been a lingering problem in the San Diego County area that require professional termite treatments.

Biology:
This is one of the most destructive termites worldwide, due in part to the enormous colony size, which may be hundreds of thousands of workers. A single colony may forage over a radius of several hundred feet. While these are “subterranean” termites it is common to find aerial nests with no ground connection, as the colony is able to find moisture and building materials in buildings. They construct a very hard matrix called “carton” in which to live, made from cellulose and saliva. These are one of many flying termites, that may swarm in early evening, usually following rainfall, with alates attracted to lights in large numbers.

Identification:
Alates are identified by the presence of both a fontanelle and an ocellus next to each compound eye. The wings have many short hairs on them, and two thickened veins run parallel to each other at the forward edge, from the base to the tip. The antenna is composed of more than 18 segments. Soldiers are present in a higher proportion in these colonies. They have a pair of jaws which have no teeth along their inner margin, and the tips of the jaws cross over each other. The head capsule is teardrop shaped.

Termite Control:
Aerial colonies may need to be controlled with fumigation of the structure. Soil nesting colonies are controlled with soil pretreatments and with post-construction applications of residual insecticides. Bait products also have provided highly effective results, possibly leading to the elimination of entire colonies. Control of excessive moisture situations within structures will reduce the attraction to the termites.

Adios Pest Control is your local San Diego pest control company, including Chula Vista and all of San Diego county; we provide complete pest control services.