Asian Termite
Category Termites
Actual Size: 1/2”
Characteristics: Soldiers range from creamy white to dark brown coloration, though appearance varies depending on their caste within the colony.
Legs: 6
Antennae: Yes
Wings: Alates/swarmers have wings.
Habitat: Particularly drawn to warm and humid climates. While they mainly live in soil, they can also build colonies inside of wooden structures. Often found in trees, houses, boats, and more.
Habits:
- While they’re most frequently found in trees, they can also infest homes and businesses.
- Like other subterranean termites, they build mud tubes to travel safely above ground.
- Reproductive “swarmers” leave the nest in the spring to establish new colonies.
Asian Termites in Florida
Asian termites are a small type of subterranean termites that are invasive here in Florida. These termites typically measure around 6-10 millimeters in length and vary in color from creamy white to dark brown, depending on their role within the colony. Once established, Asian termite colonies can grow rapidly, with populations numbering in the hundreds of thousands within a relatively short period. Since they primarily live underground or burrow deep inside of wood, infestations usually remain hidden until the damage is severe.
Asian Termite Habitat
As their name suggests, Asian termites originate from warm and humid regions across Asia. They were inadvertently introduced to the United States through global commerce and have become a common problem in areas like Florida. These termites typically nest underground but may also establish colonies within wooden structures such as buildings and trees. Their nests, which can be found near or within infested wood, often consist of intricate tunnel networks made from soil, saliva, and fecal matter. Asian termites prefer to infest moist and decayed wood, but unlike other species, they can also attack sound wood if it’s in contact with the soil.
Asian Termite Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
For property owners, Asian termites pose a serious threat due to their destructive feeding habits and rapid colony growth. These termites can quickly compromise the structural integrity of buildings and wooden structures, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards. Unlike some native termite species, Asian termites are highly adaptive and aggressive, capable of infesting multiple levels of a building and causing extensive damage before detection.
Their ability to consume both moist and dry wood makes them particularly challenging to control once established, which is why it’s helpful to partner with a seasoned professional if you believe you may have Asian termites.
