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It has been brought to A Better Columbus’ attention that a very destructive termite, the Formosan Termite, has been spotted in town.
According to A Better Columbus representative Barbara Peterman, “these insects can set up nests filled with millions of termites, with many homeowners oftentimes becoming aware of the damage they can cause too late.”
The Texas A&M Urban and Structural Entomology Program says Formosan Termites are “considered one of the most aggressive and economically devasting termite species in the country.”
While treating a home for carpenter ants, Tim Bricker, of Bricker Pest Control, told the owner a “reproductive swarmer” in other words, a scout Formosan Termite was found and he recommended preventive treatment.
“The I-10 Corridor is loaded with them from Eagle Lake to north of Columbus.” Bricker told A Better Columbus.
A similar situation arose for Chris Matura, of Hamilton Pest Control. He told another owner he was alarmed by the number of buildings in which he found this destructive pest and the numbers seem to be growing in the last two years.
While preventive measures are costly, they are preferable to damage repair costs and the disruption of a household when floors or walls must be replaced.
It might be time for you to see if there are any unwanted visitors around your home.
Information was provided by A Better Columbus. For more details, see https://urbanentomology. tamu.edu/urban-pests/ termites/formosan/.
