When it comes to property damage, no pest is more destructive than termites. Unfortunately, termites are commonplace, impacting one in five Australian homes. They eat away at timber and building materials, creating significant structural harm within years or months if left to their own devices. This is particularly problematic as they work silently inside walls, structural timbers, furniture, paper, insulation, and even plastics.
In this blog, we will discuss the types of Australian termites, their differences and why this matters when it comes to preventing and treating infestations.
Coptotermes acinaciformis: The Most Common Threat
Coptotermes acinaciformis is an Australian subterranean termite. The worker of this species is characterised by pale and soft bodies, while the soldiers have brown, pear-shaped heads and large jaws. The soldiers also produce a latex-like substance when provoked. The seasonal alates of the species are dark brown and have four equal wings.
The nest of this species is made underground, beneath concrete slabs, within the base of a tree and within wall cavities. They form sprawling tunnel networks to reach food without ever surfacing above ground.
They feed on cellulose from timber, trees and other plant matter. This makes them highly destructive to timber within houses.
This type of termite can be identified by their mud tubes, peeling paint, discarded wings and sticky doors and windows.
Schedorhinotermes: The Secondary Structure Invaders
The Schedorhinotermes termites are common in Asia and Australasia. They are known for making subterranean multi-nested colonies in tree stumps, under structures and within wall cavities. They also create mud-packed tunnels and galleries within timber.
This species of termite has two different types of soldiers: large major soldiers (exhibiting bulbous heads) and smaller minor soldiers (who have narrower heads).
They feed on cellulose, particularly wood. This poses a problem because they can wreak huge structural damage on homes and commercial buildings.
These termites often work under earthen plastering, making damage hard to detect until severe damage is inflicted. Additionally, their tendency to build multiple nests makes traditional baiting (a common control technique) less effective.
Due to this complex nature, it is important to get support from professional pest control when it comes to treating this infestation. Professionals use specialist equipment to identify termite activity behind walls. This may include thermal imaging cameras.
Infestations will be treated using a combination of dusting, foaming, soil treatments and baiting. Often, multiple treatments will be required for multi-nested colonies.
Other Termite Species
There are 2 additional species of termite in Queensland.
Mastotermes darwiniensis are found in tropical northern Queensland. They will eat virtually anything, including rubber tyres, plastic, leather and lead-covered tables. Thankfully, they are rarely found elsewhere in Australia.
Cryptotermes brevis live within dry timber. They are difficult to detect until damage is severe. They leave a thin outer shell of wood intact. Infestation is limited to structural timbers and wooden furniture.
The Damage Profile of Local Queensland Termites
Coptotermes acinaciformis is the most economically significant and widespread species in Australia. They are extremely aggressive, attack a wide range of timbers and damage non-timber material such as electrical cables. They can cause severe structural damage in just a few months to a year.
Schedorhinotermes intermedius can cause sudden and extensive damage. Mature colonies can destroy home frames in 12 months.
Why Quick Species Identification is Critical for Treatment
Identifying the species of termite that has infested your property is important, as different species require different control methods. There is no one-size-fits-all method.
Subterranean termites, such as Coptotermes acinaciformis or Schedorhinotermes, require methods like chemical soil barriers or baiting systems that target the colony’s central location.
Conversely, drywood termites (e.g., Cryptotermes brevis) require localised treatments or whole-structure fumigation. Knowing the species is also important for finding the location of the central nest, which is important for ensuring effective treatment.
In summary, finding out the type of termite you are tackling can help ensure the infestation is tackled effectively.
Do You Have a Termite Infestation?
Control Pest Management can help. Our specialist termite inspection service will identify the species present on your property and implement the most effective treatment plan to protect your home or business. Contact us today by filling in the form on our Contact page, emailing info@controlpestmanagement.com.au, or calling 1300 357 246.