Formosan Termite
Coptotermes formosanus
Appearance
![Image of Formosan Termite [Coptotermes formosanus] | Ehrlich Pest Control](/images/image_298696.jpg)
- Orange-brown and yellow-brown.
- 0.5-0.6 inches.
- Wings are covered with fine hairs.
Lifecycle
- Termites have a caste system where there are workers, soldiers, and reproductive adults called queens and kings.
- Workers provide the food, tend the eggs and build the nest.
- Soldiers defend the nest.
- The king and queen are the primary reproductives. If either of them dies or if the colony becomes too large, winged reproductives (alates) are sent out to begin new colonies.
- A single colony can be up to 300 feet and can contain several million termites.
Habits
- They infest a huge variety of structures including boats, high-rise condominiums and also trees.
- Formosan termites consume wood at a rapid rate compared to other species which can cause major structural damage to homes and buildings.
- Also known to feed on paper, cardboard and foam insulation boards.
- They are seen in huge swarms in the evening when the weather is humid, usually between April – July.
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