also been found in Florida. There can be up to eight million Formosan Termites in a single colony—much larger than any other termite colony. The tunnels and tubes will branch out up to 300 feet in every direction, searching for wood to devour. They will eat anything containing cellulose—plants, lumber and wood products, cardboard and paper, etc. They have been known to chew through foam, some thin metals, plaster, and even asphalt to reach food.
Formosan Termites look just like any other subterranean termite, with the exception of the soldiers. They have a large, dark mandible (jaw) which can cross and form an “x”. Despite their fierce appearance, their bite is harmless to humans. A colony of Formosan Termites will contain a larger number of soldiers than other types of termites.
The actual nests (called a “carton” after the hard chew-up material from which they are made) grow quite large and have a rock-like appearance. They must be located near a source of moisture—plumbing or roof leaks, watered plants and landscaping, air conditioning condensation, areas where puddles form, etc. They can be located in attics, walls, trees, or even underground.

Life Cycle:

Formosan termite anatomy

1.Antenna- bead-like segments 2.Eyes- compound 3.Head- oval / rounded 4.Legs- 6 5.Wings- on alates, 2 pair, longer than body 6.Thorax- 7.Petiole- none 8.Abdomen- elongated 9.Color- pale to brown 10.Other- soldiers have mandibles