I'm writing in response to a recent article titled "Stop Termite Damage in the Home" that claimed "Formosan termites a formidable Southwest problem." We don't have Formosan termites in the region, period; and I'm pretty certain Arizona doesn't either. I am originally from Louisiana and in that state and most other southern states, Formosans are a huge problem. While we do have several species of very destructive termites, the Formosan is NOT one of them. This is not my opinion, it's fact.
Several other comments are made in this article that are hard to believe. How a Formosan can be mistaken for drywood termites is beyond me. They are nothing alike and are totally different in appearance and behavior. I definitely agree that treatments can be very different between drywood termites, formosans and other subterranean species. In some cases tent fumigation is the recommended method for controlling both Formosans and Drywoods.
On a rare occasion, a termite company has misdiagnosed a termite problem. I have been called in and could hardly believe the oversight, but in those cases it was a very inexperienced company. The picture in this article is obviously Formosan termites. The teardrop shaped head is a dead giveaway.
Hiring a professional who can tell the difference between one specie and another is certainly highly recommended. If I found Gnathamitermes spp. for example, I would recommend the minimal treatment. On the other hand we have several specie of Reticulitermes, which are much more aggressive. For those, I would in good conscious recommend a full subterranean termite treatment. Drywood termites require special expertise and experience and as stated before a very different treatment.
If or when we ever see Formosans, hold on to your wallet. The fee will be much higher and you'd better make sure you get someone who knows what they're talking about.
Jim Dye
Entomologist, Owner
Border Pest Control Inc.