Superswarms of Two of the Most Destructive Termite Species are in South Florida

Two of the most destructive termite species in the world are swarming simultaneously in South Florida. The termites are creating hybrid colonies that not only grow quickly, but also have the potential to migrate to other states.

The new termite species is a combination between Asian and Formosan subterranean termites. While both species have evolved separately for thousands of years, South Florida has provided them the opportunity to meet, mate and create new hybrid colonies.

Researchers still aren't sure whether the hybrid termite is fertile or not. However, it likely poses a danger.

"Because a termite colony can live up to 20 years with millions of individuals, the damaging potential of a hybrid colony remains a serious threat to homeowners even if the hybrid colony does not produce fertile winged termites," said Nan-Yao Su, one of the researchers, in a news release. "This is especially true when the colony exhibits hybrid vigor as we witnessed in the laboratory."

These two termite species are responsible for as much as $40 billion in economic loss annually. The fact that these two species are breeding is certainly a cause for concern.

"This is worrisome, as the combination of genes between the two species results in highly vigorous hybridized colonies that can develop twice as fast as the two parental species," said Thomas Chouvenc, one of the researchers. "The establishment of hybrid termite populations is expected to result in dramatically increased damage to structures in the near future."

Obviously, these insects are a huge problem. Despite their destructive nature, though, baits can be used to eliminate colonies of termites, and homeowners can apply liquid insecticides in soil beneath and surrounding a structure.

The findings are published in the journal PLOS One.

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