Formosan subterranean termites were discovered in Tampa near Tampa International Airport in 1991. A termite inspection found an established colony in nearby Temple Terrace in 1999. Soon after that they were detected in a warehouse in South Tampa. In 2003, they were they were detected on Harbor Island, near downtown Tampa.
There is little doubt that new Formosan colonies are being formed in Tampa and around Florida. They are multiplying more quickly than they can be detected. Therefore property owners must become more vigilant. Frequent inspections and immediate treatment by trained professionals must be implemented. These are the only protection against the slow silent Formosan invasion.
All coastal communities across Florida and the Gulf Coast are at risk from Formosan subterranean termites. Tampa is just one example. These termites have now been found in at least 14 other Florida counties. Once Formosan termites become established in an area, it's very difficult, some would say impossible, to eradicate them.
In the French Quarter of New Orleans more than 90% of the buildings are infested. Throughout New Orleans, Formosan termites cost more than $300 million per year for control and repair. In Hawaii, Formosan subterranean termites are now believed to be the single most economically important insect pest.
A typical Formosan termite colony has a gigantic appetite. Experts say the average native subterranean termite colony can consume around 7 pounds of wood per year. On the other hand, a Formosan colony can ingest more than 1,000 pounds of wood. To understand the difference, look at the size of the colony. Colonies of Formosan termites can number more than 10 million termites. Colonies of native subterranean termites often are less than 1 million termites.
Formosan termites attack a much wider array of food sources, such as furniture, books and even living trees. They can be extremely persistent in finding a way into buildings. Unlike other types of termites, they can chew through thin lead, copper sheeting, PVC, foam insulation boards, plaster, asphalt, rubber, and some plastics to find wood. They can find even the smallest (1/16") cracks through concrete.
How can the dreaded Formosan subterranean termites be controlled or prevented? Fumigation, while is effective against drywood termites, it doesn't affect Formosans very seriously. They have both above ground and underground nests. Fumigation will kill some workers, but the strength of the colony won't be diminished very much. Fumigation should never be considered the primary treatment method for Formosan termites.
Termite bait stations have been around since the mid 1990's. They work by using very small amounts of slow-acting poison over many months. In the hands of a trained termite professional, they've proven their worth and over the years have become the primary method of protecting and treating properties under attack by Formosan termites.
Property along the entire Gulf Coast, from Florida to Texas is in danger from Formosan termites. The only effective protection available to property owners is to find a termite professional that offers a protection program. These programs typically include an annual termite inspection and the installation and monitoring of bait stations. - 16463
There is little doubt that new Formosan colonies are being formed in Tampa and around Florida. They are multiplying more quickly than they can be detected. Therefore property owners must become more vigilant. Frequent inspections and immediate treatment by trained professionals must be implemented. These are the only protection against the slow silent Formosan invasion.
All coastal communities across Florida and the Gulf Coast are at risk from Formosan subterranean termites. Tampa is just one example. These termites have now been found in at least 14 other Florida counties. Once Formosan termites become established in an area, it's very difficult, some would say impossible, to eradicate them.
In the French Quarter of New Orleans more than 90% of the buildings are infested. Throughout New Orleans, Formosan termites cost more than $300 million per year for control and repair. In Hawaii, Formosan subterranean termites are now believed to be the single most economically important insect pest.
A typical Formosan termite colony has a gigantic appetite. Experts say the average native subterranean termite colony can consume around 7 pounds of wood per year. On the other hand, a Formosan colony can ingest more than 1,000 pounds of wood. To understand the difference, look at the size of the colony. Colonies of Formosan termites can number more than 10 million termites. Colonies of native subterranean termites often are less than 1 million termites.
Formosan termites attack a much wider array of food sources, such as furniture, books and even living trees. They can be extremely persistent in finding a way into buildings. Unlike other types of termites, they can chew through thin lead, copper sheeting, PVC, foam insulation boards, plaster, asphalt, rubber, and some plastics to find wood. They can find even the smallest (1/16") cracks through concrete.
How can the dreaded Formosan subterranean termites be controlled or prevented? Fumigation, while is effective against drywood termites, it doesn't affect Formosans very seriously. They have both above ground and underground nests. Fumigation will kill some workers, but the strength of the colony won't be diminished very much. Fumigation should never be considered the primary treatment method for Formosan termites.
Termite bait stations have been around since the mid 1990's. They work by using very small amounts of slow-acting poison over many months. In the hands of a trained termite professional, they've proven their worth and over the years have become the primary method of protecting and treating properties under attack by Formosan termites.
Property along the entire Gulf Coast, from Florida to Texas is in danger from Formosan termites. The only effective protection available to property owners is to find a termite professional that offers a protection program. These programs typically include an annual termite inspection and the installation and monitoring of bait stations. - 16463
About the Author:
Why pay for termite damage? Florida Bug Inspectors offers a complete termite protection plan, starting with a thorough termite inspection. Russ Frank, owner of FBI, is a leading termite control expert in the Tampa Bay area.
