If you’re a homeowner in warm climates like Louisiana, you already know that termites are a major problem. But not all species are the same.
The two most destructive types of termites in the South are Formosan termites and drywood termites. Both can cause structural damage, but they have different behaviors, food sources, and treatment methods.
Understanding these differences is key to effective termite control.
Key Takeaways
- Formosan termites live underground in big colonies, while drywood termites stay inside the wood and do not need soil.
- Formosan termites cause fast and serious damage, while drywood termites spread more slowly and are harder to find.
- Signs of termites include mud tubes, hollow wood, small holes, piles of waste, and flying swarmers near light.
- Professional termite treatments, like soil barriers, bait stations, fumigation, and wood treatments, help get rid of infestations.
WHAT ARE FORMOSAN TERMITES?
Formosan termites belong to the subterranean termite group, meaning they live underground and rely on the soil for moisture. They are known for forming massive termite colonies, sometimes containing millions of worker termites and flying termites.
These pests can form new colonies in a short amount of time. Here are some key warning signs to watch for:
- Mud tubes on walls or foundations
- Swarmers (alates) near light sources or windowsills
- Hollow-sounding wood or sagging floors
- Fecal pellets and other waste near infested areas
- Subterranean termite colony activity in the soil
WHAT ARE DRYWOOD TERMITES?
Unlike Formosan termites, drywood termites do not need soil contact. They are commonly found in attics, wooden furniture, and even behind walls. Since they consume cellulose from wood, it can be difficult to spot until major structural damage has already occurred.
Keep an eye out for these warning signs that could indicate a hidden infestation:
- Small holes in wood where termites push out waste
- Piles of fecal pellets near furniture or baseboards
- Swarmers (alates) appearing inside homes
- Wood that crumbles or sounds hollow when tapped
FORMOSAN TERMITES VS. DRYWOOD TERMITES: KEY DIFFERENCES
While both Formosan and drywood termites can cause serious damage, they differ in how they invade, where they live, and how quickly they spread.
Here’s a side-by-side look at what sets these termite species apart:
| Features | Formosan Termites | Drywood Termites |
|---|---|---|
| Colony Size | Millions | A few thousand |
| Entry Points | Mud tubes from the ground | Small kick-out holes in the wood |
| Swarming Season | Spring and summer | Late summer to fall |
| Damage Type | Rapid, severe structural damage | Slower, hidden damage |
| Common Locations | Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee | Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and California |
HOW TO GET RID OF TERMITE INFESTATIONS
If you see the early warning signs of termite infestations, don’t wait!
These wood-boring pests can rack up thousands of dollars in damage before you even realize they’re there.
Formosan Termite Treatment
These pests don’t mess around, and neither should you. Soil treatments create a protective barrier to keep termites out, while bait stations wipe out the subterranean termite colony at its source.
To stay ahead of an infestation, an annual termite inspection helps catch activity before serious damage occurs.
Drywood Termite Treatment
Don’t wait until the drywood termite damage is done. Fumigation, or tenting, is the best option for widespread infestations, while no-tent termite treatments work for more localized problems.
To keep drywood termite colonies from coming back, wood treatments provide long-term protection against re-infestation.
PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM TERMITES WITH PEST CONTROL PROFESSIONALS
When termites swarm in Louisiana and other Southern states, you have a high risk of costly damage. Working with professionals ensures early detection and effective treatment before the problem gets out of hand.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we offer soil treatments and bait stations to stop Formosan subterranean termites before they spread. For drywood termites, we provide fumigation and no-tent treatments to eliminate infestations and protect your home.
Think you might have one of these species of termites?
Contact us today for a professional termite inspection!