Several termite pest species have been documented in Louisiana, but none are as devastating as the invasive Formosan subterranean termite species. There are many aspects of Formosan subterranean termite activity that make them far more destructive to timber-framed structures than all other termite species in the world, but their ability to build aerial nests is one of the most significant. Unlike all other subterranean termite species in North America, Formosans infest numerous tree species, both living and dead. While other subterranean termite species are largely limited to the ground-soil for nesting purposes, Formosan subterranean termite carton-nests are often found located high up in trees where the destructive insects can easily access roofs, attics and wall spaces by traveling along tree branches that make contact with structures. This is why it is not uncommon for Louisiana residents to find Formosan subterranean termite nests within wall-voids and beneath floorboards located on the upper floors of houses, apartments and urban buildings. For example, several years ago an Algiers resident, Nancy Ciolli, discovered a Formosan subterranean termite nest below her tiled bathroom floor located on the second story of her home.

While breaking apart her bathroom floor, Ciolli noticed that she had been chiseling into a large Formosan subterranean termite nest that was located where two-by-fours held up her bathtub. Ciolli had been breaking apart her bathroom floor because she suspected an infestation in the area, and she wanted to address an infestation before it got out-of-control. Unfortunately, this was not the first time that Ciolli had suffered through a Formosan subterranean termite infestation, as an extensive infestation was detected in her staircase, walls and second story floorboards five years prior. Countless Louisiana residents, especially New Olreans residents, have experienced a Formosan subterranean termite infestation since the pests emerged in massive numbers in urban areas of New Orleans back during the 1980s. A couple living in a Georgia-style home in St. Tammany Parish noticed termites feeding on their wooden doorframe, floorboards and walls shortly after purchasing the home in 1987. The couple claimed that the full extent of the infestation was not realized until they pulled back their living room rug only to find a large blister-like appearance on their hardwood floor’s surface. After touching the blistered wood, the resident’s fingers sank right through the wood. Luckily, the couple managed to detect the infestation before a serious accident occurred. During the 1990’s and early 2000s, Formosan subterranean termites often reinfested homes that had undergone treatments, but today, modern integrated pest management practices allow pest control professionals to effectively control Formosan subterranean termite pests when they are found within homes.

Do you ever worry about falling victim to a Formosan subterranean termite infestation?