What do they look like? Termites have symbiotic protozoa and other microbes in their gut that digest cellulose. Subterranean vs Formosan Termites - What’s the Difference? Are there any methods to control formosan termites? The species that cause severe structural timber damage to homes in Alabama are (1) the Eastern subterranean termite and (2) the Formosan subterranean termite. Soldier heads of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus (C.f. This publication can help you differentiate between ants and the dry-wood and subterranean termites that are pests in Louisiana. Formosan Subterranean Termites. Formosan Termite Treatment and Control. Both species prefer wood that is moist, and the presence of moisture and wood decay fungi makes wood even more susceptible to termites. Formosan Termites are controlled by the same methods as Drywood Termites when they are in wood not in contact with the ground. Do they fly? Formosan termites also can construct a carton which helps retain moisture in the nest. Eastern subterranean termites are native termites that occur throughout the eastern United States. IMPORTANT: It is critical to identify the species and know the habits of destructive termites in a local region in order to formulate an appropriate control program. Knowing the difference might save your home. Useful articles. Figure 10. Are there any naturall way of formosan termite treatment? Their wings are covered in yellowish setae (or hairs). A single colony may contain several million individuals (compared with several hundred thousand termites for other subterranean termite species) that forage up to 300 feet (100 m) in soil. Can you tell the difference between a Formosan and Eastern Subterranean Termite? Find out how to get rid of Eastern subterranean termites. A single colony may contain several million individuals (compared with several hundred thousand termites for other subterranean termite species) that forage up to 300 feet (100 m) in soil. The zones are the regular planting zones across the United States. Formosan termites are a type of subterranean termite that nests within the soil. Read facts on the damage caused by these pests, in addition to treatment options. Eastern subterranean termites are native termites that occur throughout the eastern United States. What is the Difference between Formosan and Subterranean Termites? It was confirmed in laboratory settings that the mating resulted in vigorous hybrid colonies. Subterranean termite species that are the most common are the Eastern subterranean termite, Arid Land subterranean termite and the western subterranean termite. Originally from mainland China, Formosans have been established in the continental U.S. for only about 50 years. Eastern subterranean termites do not attack cypress, but Formosan termites will readily attack cypress, as well as pine and other softwoods and hardwoods. Formosan termites have been found in the Gulf Coast states, along the eastern seaboard north to North Carolina, as well as in Tennessee, California, and Hawaii. Eastern subterranean termites occur in all 82 counties of Mississippi. The difference between eastern & formosan subterranean termites 1. Formosan termite swarmers are lighter in color than eastern subterranean termites. One difference between the two is that formosan termites are more localized to the southern states while subterranean termites are found throughout the U.S. In urban southeastern Florida where the Formosan subterranean termite was first found, its distribution has expanded to include much of the costal areas of … Formosan termites are very similar to other subterranean termite species, like Asian subterranean termites and eastern subterranean termites, so it’s best to contact a licensed pest control professional to help with proper identification. A single colony may contain several million individuals (compared with several hundred thousand termites for other subterranean termite species) that forage up to 300 feet (100 m) in soil.