Serving Memphis, Cordova, Germantown & Collierville TN
You may know that there are two common species of termites in Tennessee: the subterranean and the drywood. However, there’s another more destructive type of termite that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States: the Formosan termite, also commonly referred to as “super termites.” Formosan termites are most common in Florida, but this species also has been found in Tennessee on a handful of occasions. Your termite professionals in Cordova at AAA Termite and Pest Control want to educate you as to the dangers of these super-termites.
Super-termites move fast, breed quickly, and do serious damage
A single Formosan colony could consist of several million termites, which prefer to travel underground. Once they find a source of food, they burrow up into buildings—and they don’t just feed on wood. They’ll feed on any substance containing cellulose: plastics, paper, cardboard, drywall, fabric, foam insulation, plaster, asphalt, pipe sealant, or even thin copper or lead sheeting. This can devastate more than your walls, floor, and furniture, also affecting your plumbing system. Factor in the huge and varied appetite of the Formosan termite, along with the potential size of the colony, and you can see why these pests represent such a threat.
Formosan termites have been discovered in 12 states
There are three known infestations of super termites—all in Shelby County, right here in southwest Tennessee! Although there hasn’t been a recorded colony of Formosan termites since 1992, you still need to be vigilant about these pests and the potential damage they can do, especially because these termites are becoming more prevalent across the United States.
A recent article in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel indicated that the total population of Formosan termites in Florida, where they are most common, has increased significantly as of late.
Rudlof Scheffrahn, an entomology professor at the University of Florida, told the newspaper that southeast Florida has experienced a 30 percent increase in Formosan and Asian termites in the last five years. “It won’t get better because they have no natural enemies and only a fraction of the population is being treated by the pest control industry,” Scheffrahn said.
Another professor of entomology at Florida, Nan-Yao Su, told the paper that Formosan termites are adding to their territory each year: “Last year, they expanded inland. They were only east of University Drive. Now, we are seeing them west of Pine Island Drive in Davie. Once they get into the area, they have a hold, and you can’t get rid of them.”
Termite protection in Cordova
Considering the past history of Formosan termites in Memphis and Shelby County, you need to make sure your home or business is protected. Your prevention plan needs to include an inspection and regular preventive service for termites, as performed by a pest control professional like the experts at AAA Termite and Pest Control. Don’t let these super termites, or any other species of termite, do devastating property damage. We can inspect any structure for the presence of or signs of a termite infestation then provide treatments that will help keep away these pests.
To learn more, schedule a consultation by one of our termite technicians today by calling (901) 737-7378.
AAA Termite and Pest Control is proud to serve commercial and residential customers in Cordova and Memphis, Tennessee.