FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2003 CONTACT: Carl Falco, director NCDA&CS Structural Pest Control Division (919) 733-6100 NCDA&CS warns homeowners and pest control operators in Rutherford County about Formosan Subterranean Termites RALEIGH -- The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Structural Pest Control Division is alerting homeowners and pest control operators in the Spindale and Ruth areas of Rutherford County to a potential new threat to their homes – Formosan Subterranean Termites. “We have had isolated infestations of this imported pest throughout the past 15 years, but the recent number of infestations indicate this pest is now established in the Spindale area, and possibly in the neighboring community of Ruth,” said Carl Falco, director of the Structural Pest Control Division. “These aggressively destructive pests can cause substantial damage to a home in as little as a year, so we are advising homeowners and pest control operators in these areas to be on the lookout for their presence. “Our division will be conducting a survey of the area, and once complete will develop a map of the locations of this pest in the county. We ask residents or pest control operators to contact us at (919) 733-6100 if you see evidence of this termite so we will be able to track the spread,” Falco said. NCDA&CS has worked collaboratively with a local pest control company and N.C. State University entomologist Dr. Michael Waldvogel in monitoring this area for infestation. Light traps had been set out and monitored at some sites but established infestations had not been detected. About 10 years ago their presence in the town of Spindale was confirmed by NCSU through specimens collected by local pest control operator David Spillman of Goforth Services Inc. That structure was successfully treated and there had been no further evidence of the pest until two weeks ago when Spillman located several trees infested by Formosan termites. A follow-up inspection and survey of the area with Dr. Waldvogel and NCDA&CS inspector Larry Conner revealed numerous infested trees and landscape timbers along a walking trail between the towns of Spindale and Ruth. Area homeowners and pest control operators should pay particular attention to termite infestations that are difficult to control. These may prove to be Formosan termites, which are significantly more aggressive and destructive than native subterranean termites. “Native species of termites generally feed on dead trees and processed wood,” Falco said. “However, Formosan termites have a horrific appetite and can use new food sources as long as there is a water source nearby. Their diets consist of anything that contains wood fiber, such as homes, buildings and live trees, as well as crops and plants.” Formosan termites can penetrate plaster, plastic and asphalt to get to a new food source. They build large carton nests above or below ground. A highly fertile queen, long life span, and an extensive foraging system from a central nest result in much larger colonies than native termite species. Like native subterranean termites, these termites tunnel underground and can easily find untreated spots to infest homes, buildings and trees. Although the best way to detect this pest is to consult with professionals, home and building owners can reduce some of the risks of infestations by reducing or eliminating water sources such as leaky pipes; removing any wood and debris in contact with the soil, like wood trellises connected to homes; replacing damaged sills and floors; and sealing cracks in concrete and other structural materials. These termites can eat doorframes, windowsills, floor rafters, and roofing. Even some new buildings and homes have suffered from Formosan termite damage. It is believed Formosan termites first came to the United States on military ships and supplies returning from the Pacific after World War II. Their main points of entry were port cities in Louisiana, Texas and South Carolina. Though their natural spread is slow, they have been transported to new locations in infested materials such as construction and demolition debris and railroad cross ties. This is most likely the case in Rutherford County because there are no known sites of infestation close by. Homeowners and pest control operators who believe they have encountered this pest are asked to contact the Structural Pest Control Division at (919) 733-6100. -30-1,2