Formosan Termites
The Formosan subterranean termite is one of the most destructive termite species in the world today. In the United States it causes tremendous property damage resulting in enormous treatment and repair costs. It is sometimes referred to as the "Super Termite." Generally, the first indirect sign of infestation is fecal pellets or the presence of alates on windowsills or near lights. Alates are the winged form of a formosan termite, also commonly called a swarmer. If they are found inside a home with closed windows and doors, this can be an indication of infestation within the structure. Another indication is the presence of discarded wings near emergence sites, on windowsills, or caught up in cobwebs. However, the presence of alates outdoors is a natural phenomenon and is not a direct sign that your home is infested with termites.
Soldiers have orange-brown, oval-shaped heads with a small pore, called the fontanelle, on the front of the head. The soldiers produce droplets of a white, glue-like fluid from this pore when they are attacked. This fluid gums up and disables attackers. They also have black, sickle-shaped jaws - mandibles - that can be crossed to form an X. The bodies are yellowish-white and are about 1/5 to 1/4 inches long. These soldiers are very aggressive and will attack fingers or tools if provoked, although their bite and fluid is harmless to humans.
The winged form, also called an alate or swarmer is yellowish-brown with a golden brown head, a pair of black eyes and 2 pairs of wings of equal length. They are about 1/2 to 3/5 inch long from head to wingtip. The wings are clear with two heavily thickened veins on the leading edge and are covered with small hairs that are clearly visible under magnification.
Soldiers have orange-brown, oval-shaped heads with a small pore, called the fontanelle, on the front of the head. The soldiers produce droplets of a white, glue-like fluid from this pore when they are attacked. This fluid gums up and disables attackers. They also have black, sickle-shaped jaws - mandibles - that can be crossed to form an X. The bodies are yellowish-white and are about 1/5 to 1/4 inches long. These soldiers are very aggressive and will attack fingers or tools if provoked, although their bite and fluid is harmless to humans.
The winged form, also called an alate or swarmer is yellowish-brown with a golden brown head, a pair of black eyes and 2 pairs of wings of equal length. They are about 1/2 to 3/5 inch long from head to wingtip. The wings are clear with two heavily thickened veins on the leading edge and are covered with small hairs that are clearly visible under magnification.