The beautiful climate of Hawaii is not only loved by people but by insects as well. The warm year-round temperatures are perfect for many types of termites and this is why eight different species currently make their home on the Islands. Five of the species rarely cause damage to structures but the other three are a constant concern. The Formosan subterranean termite is the most worrying. The insect was brought to Hawaii unintentionally over the last century by humans and through imported goods. It is native to China and is an extremely aggressive insect.
Every termite exterminator in the state is familiar with the Formosan termite because they cause over $100 million in structural damage each year. They are known to cause irreparable damage to the structure of homes in a matter of months and even chew through electrical lines in their attempts to gather more wood. They live underground and easily access homes through cracks in foundation and flooring. They are able to squeeze through gaps as small as one-sixteenth of an inch.
Swarms of these termites appear at the end of spring and through the summer. They are active from dusk to midnight and are the most abundant in number when the day has been warm and wet and high humidity levels continue into the evening. Lights attract the pests and their tendency to be active after the sun sets is why homes are so vulnerable to infestation.
Working with a termite exterminator is the only way to eliminate an infestation and the best chance homeowners have to reduce the risk of their return. There are some things property owners can do on their own to also discourage Formosan termites. Keep lights as dim as possible during the start of their swarming time. Install good drainage systems around the home to keep the foundation as free from moisture as possible. Do not store wood under the home or directly on the ground and always inspect it carefully before bringing it into the house.
A thorough inspection of the home by an exterminator will determine if termites are present and identify the species if any are found. This is necessary to ensure the most effective treatment is used.
