Formosan Termites

The Coptotermes formosanus, or Formosan termite, prefers warm climates and densely populates certain areas of the American South. Also known as a introduced subterranean termite, the Formosan termite is found in Alabama, Florida, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas and Tennessee. However, they have also been located in smaller populations as far north as the Canadian border.

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Formosan termites are native to East Asia and were introduced to the United States in the 1940's, following World War II. Formosan termites were thought to have entered the country via various port cities, resulting in patchy concentrations. Their populations have continued to spread throughout the United States on cargo shipments of wood and other cellulose-based goods. Most scientists believe that Formosan termites have spread through infested wooden railroad stakes.

Formosan termites differ from other species in that their colonies reach much larger sizes. As such, they are considered the most destructive termite species in the country. In addition to the damage they cause to homes, they are capable of infesting boats and live trees.