How Did The Destructive Formosan Termite Arrive In The United States?

The Formosan subterranean termite is one of the most destructive termites in the United States. This termite is sometimes referred to as the “super-termite” because Formosans form large colonies, their colonies can cover an area of three hundred feet, and Formosans can eat through wood more rapidly than any other termite found in America. These termites are also notable for consuming just about any type of wood. For example, Formosan termite infestations have been documented on high-rise structures and even on boats that were docked in water. However, these termites are not even native to North America, so how did Formosan termites wind up in America?

Formosan termites originally inhabited a large region spanning from southern China to Japan. However, during the last one hundred years, Formosans have settled in many different parts of the world some with vastly different ecosystems. These termites have been found in Hawaii, South Africa and the US. The first sighting of a Formosan termite within the United States occurred during the year of 1957. By 1965 colonies of Formosan termites were appearing in the southern states. It has been theorized that soldiers returning to the US from southeast Asia brought Formosan termites back with them, not deliberately of course. Today, Formosan termites are found in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. There are also a few isolated colonies in California.

Formosan termites can easily proliferate within the environments where they exist. Entire colonies, especially young colonies, can easily be transported from location to location by humans. This is especially true when Formosans are found in potted plants, timber, or infested trees. Some cases of termites have been reported by people who transported them into their homes through products purchased at gardening stores. It looks like Formosan termites are here to stay, so learn how to prevent an infestation before it is too late.

Have you, or someone you have known, ever experienced a Formosan termite infestation? If you have, then where were they active?