Eastern Subterranean Termites

Eastern subterranean termites are one of the most common and destructive termite species in the United States. Workers recognizable by their pale, creamy white to light brown bodies, these termites are often found in colonies that can number in the millions. Their most distinctive feature is their subterranean nesting behavior, living primarily in soil or within wood structures in contact with the ground. Eastern subterranean termites build intricate tunnel systems underground to forage for food, primarily cellulose found in wood and paper, which they digest with the help of symbiotic microorganisms in their guts.

The damage caused by Eastern subterranean termites can be severe and costly. They are known for their ability to weaken wooden structures from the inside out, often causing significant structural damage before the infestation is detected. These termites feed on a wide range of materials, including wooden beams, flooring, and even paper products, leading to potential safety hazards and expensive repairs. Their foraging behavior is often hidden, making early detection challenging and underscoring the importance of regular inspections and preventative measures.

Eastern subterranean termites are organized into a caste system, including workers, soldiers, and reproductives. Workers are responsible for feeding the colony and caring for the young, while soldiers protect the colony from predators. Soldiers can be recognized by their rectangular-shaped heads and mandibles that lack teeth but have tips.  Reproductives (swarmers), including the queen and king do not cause any damage, but are responsible for reproduction. The queen can lay thousands of eggs daily, leading to rapid population growth and extensive damage if not controlled. Swarmers are dark brown to almost black in color, with 2 sets of equally sized wings. Effective termite management involves addressing both the visible damage and the hidden colonies to prevent future infestations.

Formosan Termites

Formosan termites, also known as Formosan subterranean termites, are notorious for their aggressive feeding habits and large colony sizes. Swarmers are characterized by their pale yellow to brownish color. Formosans are often found in the southern regions of the United States. They are highly destructive due to their ability to build massive colonies, sometimes exceeding several million individuals. These termites build extensive underground and above-ground nests, which can include mud tubes, nests in wood, or even in the soil, allowing them to invade homes and other structures with ease.

The damage inflicted by Formosan termites is among the most severe of any termite species. Their aggressive feeding habits can lead to rapid and extensive damage to wooden structures, often compromising the integrity of buildings in a short period. Unlike other termite species, Formosan termites are known to infest living trees and other above-ground wooden structures, making them particularly challenging to manage. Their large colony sizes and voracious appetites require a comprehensive pest control approach to mitigate the extensive damage they can cause.

Formosan termites share a similar caste system to other subterranean termites, including workers, soldiers, and reproductives. However, they exhibit more aggressive behavior and a greater capacity for rapid population growth. Soldiers are similar, but the heads are more rounded and tubular-shaped with mandibles lacking teeth. The queen of a Formosan termite colony can lay up to several thousand eggs per day, leading to the formation of large, highly destructive colonies. Managing Formosan termite infestations typically involves a combination of treatments, including liquid termiticides, baiting systems, and rigorous monitoring, to effectively address both the visible damage and the extensive colonies