Search

Supertermites

Gregg Henderson, Dunaway, Christopher R.

bar graph of colony size difference between Formosan and native subterranean termites

Colony size difference between Formosan and native subterranean termites

Photo of exposed Wall carton nest

Formosan carton nest in a wall.

Why are they called "supertermites?"

  • Formosan termite colonies can reach populations of more than 10 million individual termites.
  • Formosan termites aggressively forage for food and have been found as far as 100 yards away from the main nest.
  • They will repeatedly test repellent chemical barriers and find ways to penetrate breaches in the treated soil.
  • Formosan termites build large nests within the walls and other enclosed spaces within a structure. These nests serve as residence for millions of individual termites and as reservoirs of moisture to sustain the colony during dry periods.
  • They are also good at finding additional above-ground sources of moisture. Common sources of moisture are roof leaks, window frames, bathtubs and showers. You may be giving termites the moisture they need each time you bathe.
  • Once established within a building, nests are difficult to destroy, and drastic measures must be taken to eliminate them. Treatment options include: physical removal of the nests by opening the walls, wall treatments with aerosol or foam termiticide applications, above-ground bait stations or whole-house fumigation.
  • Colonies in New Orleans tend not to fight with each other; there is growing evidence that colonies share food resources. Colony mixing like this can cause an overexploitation of resources and domination of a habitat by the supercolony.
  • This termite is an invasive species, as are Argentine ants and red imported fire ants. Invasive species can sometimes escape natural predators and parasites that kept them in check in their native lands.
3/2/2008 9:15:36 AM
Rate This Article:

Have a question or comment about the information on this page?

Innovate . Educate . Improve Lives

The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture

Top