Subterranean termites are commonly known as "white ants". Though they are not really ants at all, their closest relative is the cockroach.
Termites are a global problem. Economically, termites are considered the most destructive wood and cellulose-consuming insect in the world.
World wide, Australia is one of the largest markets for termite management systems. CSIRO data indicate that termites attack one in three Australian homes at some stage in the lifetime of the property. This contributes to an estimated termite damage bill of $780 million per year, to Australian homes. Termites occur throughout Queensland, with a high incidence of attack in virtually all-urban areas.
Termites are small, “social” insects, working and living together in colonies. Each colony has several types or castes of termite. As with bees and ants, each caste has a specific job or role within the colony. Three principal castes are recognised: workers, soldiers and reproductive king, queen and young winged kings and queens. Subterranean termite’s colonies have populations numbering from a few hundred to millions. And a single colony can be several decades old.
The termite colony is generally constructed of a central nest from which they construct underground tunnels radiating in a 50-metre in search of a timber (cellulose) food source however it can be much greater. Generally when termites leave the soil in their search for food, they construct mud tunnels, or galleries. These tunnels protect them from predators as well as ensuring the high moisture levels they require to survive. Termites often build above ground nests, where moisture collects in the wall cavity, from leaking pipes, shower recess, guttering, etc.
At least once a year, on warm and humid evenings, the young winged alates, swarm from the nest. After a short flight, these males and females shed their wings prior to mating. Most of these potential “king and queen” termites either fall prey to birds, lizards, ants or spiders, or die of exposure before they can find a suitable location. But, if they find a suitable environment, a new colony may result, which after a few years, may contain over one million termites.
If you find swarming termites, it is a sure sign that a large termite colony/nest is close by and a thorough inspection of the property by a termite control expert is strongly recommended.
A large colony in an urban environment is most often unseen, being totally below ground level with a nest that may contain more than a million termites - secretly eating the inside of your timbers leaving you an empty shell. Termites are highly secretive, preferring to enter a building through areas inaccessible to inspection, such as, through in-fill patios, fire hearths, expansion joints, through brick and block work and cracks in concrete slab (on-ground) flooring.
Subterranean termites are a highly destructive timber pest, causing major structural timber damage to domestic and commercial buildings in Queensland.
Termites cause more damage to homes in Australia than fire, floods and storms combined.
Severe termite damage to Australian homes is on the increase due to recent changes in the type of chemicals being used, building construction materials and designs that encourage hidden termite entry and infestation. Urban population spread means that we are now building in areas that are already infested with termites. In Australia, there are approximately 25 species of termites that are of economic importance to timber-in-service buildings. The majority of these species are found in the tropics and warm temperate coastal and inland regions.Termites consume wood from inside out, usually by the time the termites’ work is visible, and the timber is virtually eaten away.
Home insurance does NOT cover the repair costs of damage caused by termites to a home or commercial building.
Signs of subterranean termite presence:
If you find termites do NOT disturb them:
Please contact www.termitepest.com.au if you have any questions regarding termite activity or treatment procedures.