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 no doubt that new subterranean colonies are now forming in or near Tampa. They just haven't been found. Increased vigilance has become the order of the day. The remedy consists of regular termite inspections by trained professionals and immediate treatment if needed. These are the only protection property owners have against the slow, silent 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 New Orleans, where more than 90% of the buildings in the French Quarter are infested, Formosan termites are responsible for $300 million annually for control and repair costs. In the state of Hawaii, they are considered the single most economically important insect pest.
Formosan termites have a considerable appetite for wood. An average native subterranean termite colony can ingest about 7 pounds of wood per year. A Formosan termite colony will easily eat more than 1,000 pounds of wood. Colony size is the difference. Formosan termite colonies may number above 10 million termites, while a typical native subterranean colony often numbers under 1 million.
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.
Bait stations have been use to detect and prevent termites since the mid 1990's. These devices work by attracting termites and then using very small amounts of slow-acting poison to kill the colony over many months. These bait stations are very effective when used by a trained termite professional. Over many years they've become the primary tool used to protect and treat properties from Formosan termites.
The entire Gulf Coast, including the coast of Florida is either currently under attack from, or a potential target of Formosan subterranean termites. The only defense consists of annual termite inspections by professionals and underground bait stations monitored by professionals. - 16492
There is no doubt that new subterranean colonies are now forming in or near Tampa. They just haven't been found. Increased vigilance has become the order of the day. The remedy consists of regular termite inspections by trained professionals and immediate treatment if needed. These are the only protection property owners have against the slow, silent 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 New Orleans, where more than 90% of the buildings in the French Quarter are infested, Formosan termites are responsible for $300 million annually for control and repair costs. In the state of Hawaii, they are considered the single most economically important insect pest.
Formosan termites have a considerable appetite for wood. An average native subterranean termite colony can ingest about 7 pounds of wood per year. A Formosan termite colony will easily eat more than 1,000 pounds of wood. Colony size is the difference. Formosan termite colonies may number above 10 million termites, while a typical native subterranean colony often numbers under 1 million.
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.
Bait stations have been use to detect and prevent termites since the mid 1990's. These devices work by attracting termites and then using very small amounts of slow-acting poison to kill the colony over many months. These bait stations are very effective when used by a trained termite professional. Over many years they've become the primary tool used to protect and treat properties from Formosan termites.
The entire Gulf Coast, including the coast of Florida is either currently under attack from, or a potential target of Formosan subterranean termites. The only defense consists of annual termite inspections by professionals and underground bait stations monitored by professionals. - 16492
About the Author:
Termite protection is less expensive than termite damage. Russ Frank, owner of Florida Bug Inspectors, is now offering a complete termite control and protection plan, beginning with a professional termite inspection.
