Photo UF/IFAS Thomas Chouvenc
Alarming reports of hybrid “super” termites have fueled misinformation, while flooding news outlets across the United States for months. University of Florida scientists are stepping in to help property owners separate fact from fiction.
In the newly released publication, Hybrid Coptotermes Termites: Separating Fact from Fiction, researchers at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) outline the key issues people are asking – from what hybrid termites are to whether they pose a greater risk to homes.
“The distribution of Coptotermes species in Florida is increasing
, and we continue to see misinformation spread about the hybrid,” said Nan-Yao Su, distinguished professor of urban entomology at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC) and an author of the publication. “We feel it’s important to provide the citizens of Florida the most accurate, unbiased information on this destructive invasive pest based on our on-going research.”
Authors debunk the “super-termite” myths by clarifying that these pests are an offspring of two invasive species already found in Florida: the Formosan subterranean termite and the Asian subterranean termite. That overlap is rare and currently limited to parts of southeast Florida, specifically in Broward County and accounting for less than 1% of termite swarmers.
“The presence of hybrid termites does not change management recommendations. Research done by the UF/IFAS Subterranean Termite Research Lab indicates that the professional products currently used for termite control will be as effective on hybrid colonies as they would be for either Formosan or Asian subterranean termites,” said Johnalyn Gordon, a co-author and assistant professor of urban entomology at UF/IFAS FLREC.
One of the main points researchers emphasize is that hybrids are rare and only found in limited areas where both parent species overlap.
“While hybrid colonies can theoretically occur anywhere the two parent species (Formosan and Asian subterranean termites) overlap, the reality is that the chances of someone encountering a hybrid Coptotermes colony are very small (and cannot be determined without molecular testing),” said Thomas Chouvenc, associate professor of urban entomology at UF/IFAS FLREC.
Another major question addressed is whether hybrid termites cause more damage at a greater intensity, elevating risk to homes. Researchers say the answer is no. Hybrids behave similarly to Formosan and Asian subterranean termites.
For homeowners, that means prevention and treatment approaches remain unchanged.
“Don’t panic,” said Faith Oi, UF/IFAS Extension professor of urban entomology. “Control recommendations will be the same. However, it is not impossible for someone to positively identify hybrids with a visual inspection alone. Please send a sample to UF/IFAS FLREC. Instructions for submitting a sample can be found on their website or email termiteidservices@ifas.ufl.edu.”
The publication also addresses a growing need to correct misunderstandings surrounding the term “hybrid,” which can be misleading without scientific context.
The authors also provide guidance on proactive and research-based information when making decisions about termite prevention and control.
Ultimately, UF/IFAS experts say the message for property owners is straightforward. Termites remain a serious issue in Florida, but hybrid termites do not make that problem worse, they simply add a new layer of scientific understanding.
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By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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