Formosan Termites
Formosan termites in Florida are often called “super termites” because of their sheer colony size and destructive power. Originally from southern China, these invasive termites have spread throughout South Florida, thriving in warm, humid conditions. They form colonies numbering in the millions, capable of destroying structural wood, flooring, and even live trees in a matter of months.
Because Formosan termites can build nests above ground, they are far more aggressive than most subterranean species – and require specialized treatment for complete elimination.
What Formosan Termites Look Like
Formosan termites resemble subterranean termites but are slightly larger and more aggressive. Workers are cream-colored, soldiers have distinctive oval heads, and swarmers are pale yellow to golden brown.
Key identifying features include:
- Winged swarmers about ½ inch long, with yellow-brown bodies and hair-covered wings.
- Soldiers with tear-shaped heads that secrete a white, sticky defense fluid.
- Workers that are pale and soft-bodied.
- Carton nests made of chewed wood and saliva, often found in walls or attics.
Behavior and Nesting Habits
Unlike most subterranean termites, Formosan termites can create aerial nests inside structures if moisture is present.
These nests, called “carton nests,” can hold millions of termites and allow colonies to survive without soil contact.
Common nesting sites include:
- Inside wall cavities or attics
- Wooden beams and ceilings
- Around plumbing leaks or AC condensate lines
- Hollow doors and window frames
- Tree trunks and utility poles
They swarm primarily in late spring and early summer, often around dusk.
Signs of a Formosan Termite Infestation
- Large numbers of flying swarmers near lights at night
- Mud tubes extending to ceilings or upper walls
- Soft, hollow wood that crumbles easily
- “Carton nests” made of soil, wood, and saliva inside walls
- Sagging floors or discolored drywall
⚠️ Formosan termites can cause more damage in six months than most species cause in years. Contact us Today >>
Formosan Termite FAQs
Where do Formosan termites come from?
They originated in East Asia but are now common across Florida, especially in humid coastal regions.
Can Formosan termites live without soil contact?
Yes. They can build aerial nests inside walls if moisture is available.
How fast can they damage a house?
A mature Formosan colony can cause visible structural damage in as little as six months.
How are Formosan termites treated?
Professionals use a combination of baiting, barrier, and injection treatments to eliminate both soil and aerial colonies.
How are Formosan termites different from regular termites?
They form much larger colonies, build nests above ground, and cause faster, more severe structural damage.
Get Your Free Termite Control Quote
Formosan termites are Florida’s most destructive termite species — capable of eating through your home in months.
Our licensed termite specialists identify infestations, destroy colonies, and provide lasting protection with advanced baiting and barrier systems.
Noticing swarmers or soft wood around your home?
Request your free quote today and protect your property from these “super termites.”
Damage Caused by Formosan Ants
Formosan termites are capable of rapid, severe structural damage.
Their colonies are larger, and they consume wood faster than any other termite species in Florida.
Common Damage Examples:
- Collapsing ceilings or sagging floors
- Damage to framing, insulation, and drywall
- Hollowed-out beams or baseboards
- Nests found inside walls or ceilings
💡 A single Formosan colony can consume more than a pound of wood per day.
How to Get Rid of Formosan Termites
DIY Steps
- Inspect attics and crawl spaces for soft wood or discoloration.
- Eliminate leaks and reduce moisture immediately.
- Remove wood debris and mulch near your home.
- Use termite monitoring stations around the perimeter (for early detection).
Professional Treatment
Formosan termites require advanced, professional-grade treatments due to their size and nesting habits.
Our licensed specialists use:
- Non-repellent liquid barriers for soil protection.
- Colony baiting systems to eliminate nests.
- Foam and injection treatments for interior wall voids.
- Comprehensive monitoring to ensure colonies do not return.
Contact us for Professional Formosan Termite Treatment >>
Prevention Tips
- Fix leaky roofs, gutters, or AC lines immediately.
- Keep mulch and wood debris away from foundations.
- Trim trees and bushes touching your roof or siding.
- Seal gaps where plumbing and electrical lines enter your home.
- Schedule annual termite inspections >> before the summer swarm season.
When to Call a Professional
If you’re seeing nighttime swarmers, sagging floors, or hollow beams, don’t wait — Formosan termites spread fast and can destroy structural integrity within months.
Our experts identify colonies, remove them completely, and protect your property with year-round monitoring.
