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Field guide to exotic pests and diseases: Formosan Subterranean Termite
Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki
Formosan subterranean termites.
Source: USDA-ARS Photo Unit
Formosan subterranean termite damage to century old structural timbers.
Source: USDA-ARS Photo Unit
Identification: live in colonies, soldiers 12-15mm long, pale yellow, exude drops of milky fluid from the head when disturbed. Yellowish-brown winged forms produced early spring to midsummer, swarm in large numbers at dusk.
Hosts: more than 50 species of timber including oak, citrus, cypress; timber in contact with ground, timber in-service.
Distribution: China, Taiwan, Japan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, USA, including Hawaii.
Detection:Nests: built from a substance resembling paper; made in soil, wood, hollows or spaces between walls and floors - can be in places not in contact with ground. Most likely to enter Australia in nests in shipping containers or in timber.
Potential impact: one of the most destructive termites in the world; can severely damage buildings and timber in-service.