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Formosan termites are one of several termite species that threaten homes and other structures
in Hawaii and the southern half of the continental United States.
Originally from mainland China, Formosans have been established in the continental U.S. for
only about 50 years. Unfortunately, they are more vigorous and aggressive and successful than
native termites. In fact, the Formosan termite has been called the "Super" termite because of
its large colonies and its ability to consume vast amounts of wood in a relatively short time.
A mature colony of Formosan termites can number in the millions and consume as much as 13
ounces of wood per day. As a result, Formosans can severely damage a structure in as little as
three months. Formosan termites are most visible during their annual mating flight. However, they
actually cause more damage after the swarm is over. For this reason, it's extremely important to
start a control program as soon as you find out that you have Formosan termites on your property.
Some quick facts about Formosan termites
- Formosan colonies are big. While native subterranean termite colonies might support an
average of 300,000 workers, for example, Formosan colonies can average millions of workers -
all of them foraging for food (wood).
- A typical colony of Formosan termites could forage an area more than one acre in diameter.
- As Formosans infest a structure, they use soil and wood cemented together with saliva and
feces to build hard nests called cartons within walls. Large cartons can actually cause walls to
bulge. These nests house thousands of termites as well as hold moisture. Once established,
Formosans can live indefinitely without soil contact.
- Formosan termites can also infest and destroy otherwise healthy trees.
- Swarmers are larger than native species, and they swarm in the evening and later in
the year (May-June).
- Soldiers comprise about 10% of the colony.
- Formosans will even attack and destroy non-wood materials. They have been known to chew
through plaster, plastics, asphalt, and even thin sheets of soft metals like lead and copper.
- Queens can produce 1,000 eggs a day.
Whatever the species, Termidor® termiticide/insecticide is your answer
Fortunately, there is a solution to even big termite problems like those posed by Formosans:
It's Termidor, the world's most amazing termiticide.
Through seven years of testing, Termidor has repeatedly proven itself to be 100% effective
against subterranean termites, including Formosans, in even the most challenging situations. It
will completely eliminate your termites within 3 months of application. No exceptions. No excuses.
Termidor is a non-repellent
If a termiticide is non-repellent, that means the termites can't see it, smell it, or feel it. In fact,
they don't know it's there at all. As a result, they'll continue to forage in treated areas. That might
alarm you, but it's a good thing. Termites that are active in areas that have been treated with Termidor
are helping to spread Termidor to more termites; they are helping the termiticide do its job. Rest assured
that in a short time all the termites - those you see and those you don't - will be controlled.
Remember, Termidor kills in two ways
First, Termidor kills termites when they eat it (since they don't know it's there, they readily ingest it
along with the wood fiber and other material they typically eat). Second, Termidor kills termites that simply
come into contact with it. So, even if your termites are not feeding, Termidor will kill them.
Termites that come into contact with Termidor will also carry it on their bodies. As a result, every other
termite they contact, feed, or groom will also be exposed to Termidor. All these termites will in turn
transfer the termiticide to still more termites. This will go on for several days, allowing Termidor to be
spread throughout the entire colony.
This unique mode of action is known as the "Transfer Effect™". At the same time, the active
ingredient in Termidor, fipronil, is slow acting. That's a very good thing for you, and a very bad
thing for the Formosan colony. Why? Because Termidor remains active long enough for one termite to
transfer the termiticide to a large number of other termites in the colony before dying itself.
And although the Termidor effect on individual termites is intentionally slow, the overall colony
impact is fast: It can be 2-6 times faster than bait systems.
What to expect after application
Certainly, every home is different, so the specifics of your Termidor treatment and results will
depend on your home's age, configuration, construction, and level of infestation. Your Termidor
Certified Professional will explain the best procedure for your situation. The entire application
program is typically complete in a day or less; however, you may see some evidence of termite
activity for several days afterward. That's okay. Rest assured that Termidor is working, and its unique ingestion, contact, and
"Transfer Effect" will eliminate termites from your home. Remember, responsible termite control demands periodic inspections by a licensed pest management professional.
If you believe your home may be in danger form Formosan Subterranean Termites,
contact a Termidor pest control professional
now.
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