Termites

Termites can eat your house down!

Termites are a significant problem in Australia, causing extensive structural damage to buildings. These destructive insects can cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to homes and other structures.  

Termites are social insects that live in colonies. They feed on cellulose, which is found in wood and other plant materials. Termites can cause severe damage to buildings by tunnelling through wood and creating structural weaknesses.  

Termites are widespread throughout Australia and can be found in various habitats, including homes, gardens, and forests. They prefer warm, moist conditions and can often be found in basements, near plumbing leaks, or around moist soil.  

It is important to be aware of the signs of a termite infestation and to take prompt action to eliminate the problem. Early detection and treatment can help prevent extensive damage to your property.

Colonies

Termites live in colonies, which are assemblages of different individuals with definite functions or tasks. The size of the colony varies from a few hundreds to hundreds of thousands or even millions. There are 5 main forms of colony:

Ground mound

These mounds are built on the ground, mostly with a hardened outer casing, an extensive layer with tunnels, and an inner central area of softer, often papery material, which forms the nursery where the queen is located along with her eggs and young. 

Arboreal mound (tree nest)

These are built on trees and can be quite large and contain many thousands of individuals. These nests have internal contact with a cavity inside the tree. Such nests often act as a nesting place for some small birds – food is plentiful and cool conditions are suitable for young.

Pole nest

A small, round nest built on top of fence posts and even transmission poles as well as on the ground and trees.

Subterranean nest

Mostly found underground, but can be found above ground provided there is a constant water source. These nests have been found between floors in large city buildings, inside trees, and tree stumps. They lack the outer hard casing of ground and arboreal mounds, and contain softer nursery material at the centre. Those found in trees can weaken the tree and its stability, sometimes causing the tree to collapse.

Tree wood

These are smaller colonies built throughout the branches and trunks of trees, often preferring the softer growth rings. The species of these colonies often attack damp wood, mostly that in houses where timber is in contact with the ground.

The Major Destructive Species of Termites in Australia 

While there are over 300 species of termites in Australia, only those that damage sound wood are of significant concern. Accurate identification of the termite species is crucial for effective treatment. The soldier caste, with their distinctive heads, is often used to identify termites.

Coptotermes Acinaciformis

Coptotermes acinaciformis are highly destructive termites that can cause significant damage to buildings. They are particularly prevalent in urban areas with eucalyptus trees. These termites build hidden nests underground or in the base of trees and can cause serious damage to homes and other structures.

Schedorhinotermes Intermedius

Schedorhinotermes Intermedius are destructive termites that can cause severe damage to buildings. These termites often build nests in tree stumps, root crowns, or underground areas. They are commonly found in eastern NSW and southeastern Queensland, particularly along the coast and the Great Dividing Range. Seeing mostly larger soldier termites is a sign of a large colony with a high potential for causing significant damage.

Coptotermes Frenchi

Coptotermes Frenchi are destructive termites that can cause severe damage to wooden structures. They often build nests in trees or underground and can quickly devour timber framing. These termites are known for their shyness and may retreat if disturbed. They are particularly common in NSW, especially in urban areas with softwood or Oregon timber buildings.

Nasutitermes Exitiosus

Nasutitermes exitiosus are termites that can cause damage to buildings and other timber structures. However, they are less destructive than other termite species. These termites build mound nests that protrude from the ground. They are commonly found in eastern Australia, particularly in urban areas with eucalyptus trees. Control measures for Nasutitermes exitiosus often involve knocking down the nest and applying insecticide.

Captotermes Lacteus

Coptotermes Lacteus are termites that primarily attack decaying wood, such as stumps, dead trees, fences, and poles. They often build mound nests up to 2 metres tall. These termites are commonly found in eastern Australia, particularly in coastal areas and along the Great Dividing Range. To control Coptotermes Lacteus, knocking down the nest and applying insecticide is often effective.

Nasutitermes Walkeri

Nasutitermes Walkeri are termites that primarily attack damp timber. They often build nests in trees and can cause serious damage to buildings with poor ventilation and damp sub-floors. These termites are commonly found in eastern NSW and southeastern Queensland, particularly in coastal and mountainous regions.

Heterotermes Ferox

Heterotermes Ferox are termites that prefer damp timber and often attack fences, poles, and other decaying wood structures. They are sometimes confused with Coptotermes acinaciformis, but accurate identification is crucial for effective treatment. These termites commonly build nests near stumps, logs, or other decaying wood in contact with the soil. They are found throughout NSW, ACT, southern South Australia, and western Australia, particularly in urban areas with eucalyptus trees.

Mastotermes Darwiniensis

Mastotermes Darwiniensis is a highly destructive termite species that can cause severe damage to buildings, trees, crops, and even rubber and plastic. These termites build underground nests and can spread rapidly, forming new colonies. They are found in tropical Northern Territory, parts of QLD and WA, and are considered one of the most dangerous termite species in the world.

Dampwood Termites

Dampwood Termites are less destructive than other termite species and primarily feed on decaying wood. They are found in damp areas and often attack trees, fences, and buildings with decaying wood. These termites are common in highland and coastal regions of Victoria, NSW, Queensland, NT, and SA.

Termite Signs to Look for in Your Home

Termites can be discreet pests that can live in your home for an extended period without being detected. Early detection is crucial to minimise damage. Here are some key signs of a termite infestation:

• Termite soldier sounds: Listen for quiet clicking sounds from infested wood, which are made by soldier termites banging their heads or shaking their bodies.
• Piles of termite droppings (frass): Drywood termites leave piles of frass, resembling sawdust or coffee grounds, around infested areas.
• Piles of wings: Discarded wings from termite swarms can be found near doors and windows.
• Flying termites: Swarms of termites can be a sign of a new colony forming near your home.
• Presence of termites: Termites can be mistaken for ants but have distinct characteristics, such as pale brown colour, beaded antennae, and no constriction between the thorax and abdomen.
• Mud tubes: Termites build mud tubes to protect themselves and maintain a humid environment. These tubes can be found on walls, floors, and other surfaces.
• Peeling paint: Uneven or bubbling paint can be a sign of moisture build-up caused by termites.
• Hollow-sounding timber: Termites can hollow out wood, causing it to sound hollow when tapped.
• Sagging floorboards or loose tiles: Termite activity can weaken floorboards and tiles, causing them to sag or become loose.
• Stuck windows or doors: Moisture from termite infestations can cause wood frames to expand.
• Damaged garden timbers: Termites can damage wooden structures in your garden, such as fences, decks, and tree stumps.
• Termite nests: Termite nests can be found in trees or on the ground.

Problems Caused by Termites

• Structural damage: Termites can weaken walls, floors, and roofs, leading to structural instability and potential collapse.
• Property damage: Termites can damage furniture, flooring, and other wooden items in your home.
• Contamination: Termites can contaminate food and other materials with their faeces and saliva.
• Health risks: In some cases, termites can trigger allergic reactions or asthma in people.

Preventing Termite Infestations

Most prevention procedures must be carried out by professional pest controllers in order to be effective. There are methods of control, however, that can be carried out around the home in order to reduce the risk of termite attack.

Indoor Tips:

• Fix moisture problems: Repair leaks in pipes, faucets, showers, and roofs to prevent damp areas.
• Get regular inspections: Schedule annual termite inspections by a professional.

Outdoor Tips:

• Seal entry points: Seal cracks and holes in your home’s exterior.
• Maintain proper drainage: Keep gutters and downspouts clear to prevent water buildup.
• Improve ventilation: Ensure good ventilation in basements and attics.
• Direct water away: Redirect water from gutters, air conditioners, and hot water systems away from your home.
• Remove wood debris: Keep scrap wood, mulch, and other wood items away from your home’s foundation.
• Plant strategically: Avoid planting trees and shrubs close to your home.
• Use termite-resistant wood: Consider using wood species that are more resistant to termites, such as American Redwood, Black Bean, Bloodwood, Jam Acacia, River Red Gum, Southern Cypress, and White Cypress Pine.
• Keep sprinklers away: Avoid watering near the foundation of your home.
• Store firewood properly: Store firewood at least 10 metres away from your home and 10 centimetres off the ground.
• Maintain landscaping: Keep your landscaping level and free of debris to prevent water pooling.
• Inspect weep holes: Regularly check weep holes for obstructions.

General Tips:

• Avoid disturbing termites: If you see termites, do not disturb them as this can make treatment more difficult.
• Contact a professional: If you suspect a termite infestation, contact a professional pest control service for inspection and treatment.
• Follow professional advice: Follow the recommendations of your pest control professional to prevent future infestations.

How BUGZOFF Can Manage Termites

Don’t ignore termites. Even if you don’t see signs of an infestation, termites can cause significant damage to your property. Early detection is crucial.

Schedule regular termite inspections with BUGZOFF to protect your home. Our experts will identify potential infestations and provide tailored solutions to prevent future damage.