Two of the most destructive termite species in the world are mating in South Florida, producing hybrid colonies growing at twice the normal rate of other termites, scientists reported.

Asian and Formosan subterranean termites are two of the most dangerous termite species in the world. Nan-Yao Su, an entomology professor at the University of Florida and lead study author, said these species account for most of the estimated US$40 billion in economic losses attributed to termites annually.

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Their habitat ranges overlap in South Florida that's already home to a frightening number of invasive plant and animal species flourishing where they should not. These termites invaded Florida, probably through cargo shipments, several decades ago. Experts believe the colonies didn't mingle because their aboveground mating swarms launched in different months.

The research, however, discovered Asian male termites prefer Formosan females, and that their colonies within one year contain about 160 individuals compared to 60 in a single-species colony.

Su added that it's not yet clear whether the hybrid offspring are fertile or sterile. Scientists will only know this when the colonies reach about five years of age, which is when new queens typically begin to reproduce.

Even if hybrid termites can't reproduce, they could cause damage over many years. Alone, each species is a challenge to control. Their below-ground colonies are bigger than those of native termites and can be hard to find.

Su said although many people use pesticides that kill termites, there are baits available that can eliminate colonies over time.

Matthew Messenger, an entomologist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said liquid insecticides injected into the soil or baited traps are effective ways for homeowners to fight back against Asian and Formosan termites. Those methods should work against any hybrid

The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE.

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