Formosan Termites in Queens, NY
Termites commonly live in wood, fallen timber, soil and decaying trees. The habitat of the various species will differ based on the amount of moisture they are seeking. More termites can be found in tropical regions more than anywhere else due to the natural wood elements found there.
It is the Subterranean termites that are found most often and in the largest amount in the United States. However, the damp wood and dry wood species are mostly found in the Southern part of the United States. The homes that subterranean termites form are often found in the soil. Inside the mounds, the termites begin building mud tunnels. Drywood termites live in the wood they eat and within walls.
Formosan Termites Appearance
The Formosan termites like the warm temperatures and live in densely populated areas of the Southern states. They are also referred to as introduced subterranean termites; they are known to be especially active throughout the Southern states, such as Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, North and South Carolina, Texas and Tennessee.
They are social insects consisting of three different and distinct forms. There are the wingless or winged reproductive termite, the worker, and the protector soldiers. As a homeowner, you may not be familiar with the various types of termites and indeed identifying the right one might pose a problem.
However, you are welcome to contact us at Queens County Pest Control where our New York City exterminators will be able to identify the type of infestation you may be experiencing.
Habits of Formosan Termites
Formosan termite soldier has an oblong head, but the indigenous subterranean termite will have a rectangular head. The Formosan termite will also be more aggressive than the native subterranean soldier termite. To defend themselves, the Formosan termite will release a white liquid. The swarmers are yellowish-brown in color. Again, not always easy to identify but a professional exterminator will be able to do this for you.
This type of termite will nest in soil. They go underground and through the wood to get to the ground. This same soil is used to create mud tubes. They make cartons that help them maintain a certain level of moisture inside the nest. Formosan, like every other type of termite, eats cellulose material. There is a queen that can produce upwards of 1,000 eggs per day. New colonies develop once a winged male and female termite began swarming. Once they mate, they move on to find new territories.
Signs of a Formosan Termite Infestation
If you are a homeowner who has begun new construction, you may later discover some damage left behind by termites. They will often leave smooth sided galleries once they start consuming wood. You might even begin to notice a wall that has been damaged, sagging. You may also begin to notice swarmers during the spring and early summer.
These are reproductive termites with straight antennae’s. You might say that there are a lot of different pests who display similar behavior and leave similar signs. To be sure that what you are dealing with is a termite infestation of some type, why not consult with the professional exterminators at Queens County Pest Control. They will be able to identify the problem and treat the problem correctly.
Since most of us live hectic lives, it is easy for an infestation to develop without our even realizing it until it is too late. Once you notice that there is a problem, give us a call. Considering the damage that an infestation causes, we believe that it is better to be safe than sorry.
