Pest guide
Subterranean termites in Georgia: eastern and Formosan
Nearly all termite damage in Atlanta is caused by native eastern subterranean termites. A small number of Formosan colonies have also been confirmed in the metro area.
Eastern subterranean termites (Reticulitermes)
These native termites nest in soil and forage for cellulose: wood, paper, even the paper on drywall. They need moisture, so they reach structures through soil contact, cracks and mud tubes. Colonies have workers (creamy white, the ones that do damage), soldiers (larger heads with mandibles) and reproductives (swarmers).
Formosan subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus)
UGA Extension calls Formosan infestations in Georgia rare but present. The UGA-led initiative has located, destroyed and monitored confirmed colonies, most of them in metro Atlanta. Formosan colonies can be very large. Swarmers are caramel-colored and swarm at dusk in late May and early June. Suspected Formosan swarms can be reported to your county UGA Extension office.
Why Atlanta is good termite country
Roughly 50 inches of annual precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals for Hartsfield-Jackson), mild winters, clay soils that hold moisture against foundations, and a large stock of wood-frame homes on crawl spaces all favor subterranean termites.
At a glance
| Eastern subterranean | Formosan | |
|---|---|---|
| Status in Georgia | Native, widespread | Introduced; rare, confirmed sites mostly in metro Atlanta |
| Swarmer color | Dark brown to black | Caramel / brownish-yellow |
| Swarm timing | Late winter–spring, daytime | Late May–early June, dusk |
| Colony size | Large | Can be very large |
Sources
- UGA CAES — Georgia initiative fights Formosan termite
- UGA Circular 868 — Identifying the Formosan Subterranean Termite
- Climate-Charts — Atlanta Hartsfield (NOAA 1991–2020 normals)
Sources reviewed November 2026. Regulations change; confirm with the issuing agency.