The Formosan termite is often nicknamed the super-termite because of its destructive habits due to the large size of its colonies and its ability to consume wood at a rapid rate.

[2] A mature Formosan colony can consume as much as 13 ounces of wood a day (about 400 g) and can severely damage a structure in as little as three months.

Formosan termites infest a wide variety of structures (including boats and high-rise condominiums) and can damage trees.

In the United States, along with another species, Coptotermes gestroi, introduced from Southeast Asia, they are responsible for tremendous damage to property resulting in large treatment and repair costs.

Formosan termites, since their probable landing at the Port of New Orleans around the middle of the 20th century, have become a most serious concern to pest control regulators and researchers.