Formosan Termite

The Formosan termite was brought to the United States on warships returning from the Pacific after World War II. Since then, this insect has slowly spread across 11 states, mostly in the Southeast.

Like the subterranean, he lives in underground colonies. But his numbers are far greater—a single Formosan termite colony can include millions of members!

Because their colonies are so large, Formosans can cause more damage in a shorter period of time than other termites.

Fascinating Facts

• Read up on it. The largest known Formosan termite colony in the United States weighed 600 pounds! It was found in a library in Louisiana.
• Who turned out the lights? Formosan termites occasionally cause power outages by chewing through electrical cables.
• What an appetite! A Formosan colony can consume as much as 13 ounces of wood a day and can severely damage a structure in as little as three months.

Learn about other Termites: