Formosan Termites
Formosan Termites reside in most forest and urban areas. Like most all termites, Formosan termites live in high moisture content areas. They use their saliva to make colonies comprised of dirt, plant remnants, wood and other materials. Some Formosan Termites have been known to live on the surface, providing that the temperature is ideal and the humidity levels are suitable to their survival.
Formosan Termites love to feed on shipments of timber, plans and mulch. As they indulge in a plethora of items that they love to feast upon, their numbers greatly increase at a rapid pace. In the U.S., Formosan Termites are some of the most dangerous termites because they destroy real estate and properties. Preventing Termite damage is a multi-million dollar industry - not only because a lot of money is spent on getting rid of these pests, but also to repair the damage. Formosan Termites are dangerous because they flourish very rapidly and a multitude of these termites is hard to get rid of.
Formosan Termites are like most other termites in that they feed on cellulose material such as wood, books and cardboard. Cellulose is broken down in their bodies by single-cell microorganisms that dwell within their digestive systems. Some Termites have been known to feed on copper sheets, foams, plastic and asphalt.
Formosan Termites survive by the constant reproductive cycles of their kings and queens. After a few days of mating, eggs can be produced. The reproductives, or king and queen, are the most protected and necessary termites that exist - so they are protected and pampered by soldiers and workers.
The reproductives are further divided into a sub classification known as primary and secondary reproductives. When the primary reproductives are in the midst of reproducing, the secondaries begin. This ensures a constant flow of newborns coming in at all times.
These highly prestigious Termites are guarded by soldier termites. These termites defend their nest by releasing a sticky fluid that immobilizes their enemies. To feed the colony, workers acquire food for the colony. They also take care of the eggs and feed the larvae.
Each newborn will either become an alates or a swarmer. Alates are the future kings and queens that are born with wings to spread colonies in other locations. After swarming, the male and females lose their wings and mate. If you have ever messed with a pile of termites in a tree, a lot of them will fly away as a last ditch effort to ensure their survival. New colonies require more food - which can be your real estate.
Knowledge of the feeding, social organization, and reproductive behaviors of Formosan termites are necessary for building effective strategies to control the spread and damage that they can cause to your real estate. If left untreated, Formosan Termites can do a lot of money-costing damage.
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