Sometimes called "super termites," Formosan termites are a more aggressive subterranean species that's established itself across parts of South Florida — here's what sets them apart.
Formosan termites build much larger colonies — often several times the size of native subterranean colonies — and their workers forage more aggressively, which means they can cause significant damage faster once a colony is established near a structure.
Formosan colonies build large, distinctive mud nests called "carton nests," sometimes found in wall voids, attics, or even in trees, in addition to standard mud tubes along foundations. Swarms tend to happen at dusk, and their swarmers are typically drawn strongly to light.
Because colonies are larger and workers forage over a wider area, a Formosan infestation can affect a structure more severely before it's noticed. They're also known for occasionally attacking living trees, not just structural wood, which native subterranean termites do less often.
Formosan colonies generally require the same core treatment approaches as other subterranean termites — baiting systems or liquid soil treatments — but because of colony size, treatment plans are often more involved and monitored more closely to confirm the colony has actually been eliminated, not just suppressed.
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