9.10 Structural Pesticide Control Issues
Formosan termites (Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki) are an aggressive non-native termite species with diets consisting of wood fibers, plants and crops, which can penetrate plastic, plaster and asphalt in order to fulfill their harmful dietary needs. It is believed that Formosan termites were first brought into the United States on military ships carrying supplies from the Pacific Ocean following World War II.
The Formosan termite is potentially the most damaging structural and agricultural insect which has caused tremendous damage to many homes, public and private buildings, trees, significant historic properties and too much infrastructure. The Formosan termite differs from the native subterranean termite in that its colonies are many times the size of the native termite colonies, it flies during the day, is attracted to and not repelled by light, does not have to return to the ground for its life-sustaining moisture and infests live trees, dead wood, and building materials. A single Formosan termite colony can produce 2000 eggs per day and may contain over 10 million termites. It is estimated that Formosan termites cost consumers more than $1 billion dollars a year including the cost of repairs and control measures.
Formosan termites repeatedly test chemical barriers and find ways to penetrate soil in the states in which they are found which includes Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Supported by the belief that the United States government shares in responsibility for the importation of Formosan termites, NASDA encourages the USDA to work with the states to develop a program for the suppression of the Formosan termites. NASDA also urges USDA and other federal agencies to fund this program of Formosan termite suppression and control.