Key Takeaways
- A termite colony has a king and queen, workers, soldiers and winged reproductives called alates, and each caste has its own job.
- Damage can take years or as little as a few months, depending on the species and the size of the colony.
- Termites need moisture and cellulose from wood to survive, which is why damp timber attracts them.
- To eliminate a colony, treatment has to reach the queen, which is hidden deep in the nest.
- CSIRO figures suggest about 32% of Australian homes are affected, so a yearly termite inspection is the safest plan.
The Castes: Queen, King, Workers, Soldiers, and Reproductives
Termites are one of the most destructive pests in Australia. CSIRO figures suggest that about 32% of Australian homes have some termite activity. To tackle termites, it is crucial to understand their life cycle and the inner workings of a colony.
To function, the colony produces several different types of termites. The colony is founded by a king and queen, who produce eggs that hatch into workers. Their pheromones prevent other termites from maturing into reproductives. Different types of termites fulfil different roles.
| Caste | Role in the colony |
|---|---|
| King and queen | The primary reproductives. They create the colony, the queen lays the eggs, and their pheromones keep other termites from becoming reproductives |
| Workers | The largest part of the colony. They source wood for food, maintain the nest and care for newly hatched termites, the king and the queen |
| Soldiers | Specialised termites that protect the colony using large heads and powerful jaws |
| Reproductives (alates) | Winged termites that leave on a nuptial flight to find mates and start new colonies |
Once an alate finds a mate, it sheds its wings and becomes the king or queen of a new colony. If the queen dies, other members of the colony can develop into replacement reproductives to keep it going. See what to do if you find discarded termite wings.
How Long Does it Take for a Colony to Cause Damage?
How quickly termites damage property depends on the species. Subterranean termites are especially destructive and can build mature colonies quickly. Drywood termites generally move slower.
The age and size of the colony also make a difference. Young colonies move more slowly, while mature colonies contain thousands or even millions of termites that eat away at the wood used in your building.
| Stage | What is usually happening |
|---|---|
| Young colony | Small numbers, slow feeding, very hard to spot |
| Growing colony | Workers forage further, and mud tubes may appear |
| Mature colony | Thousands or millions of termites, faster damage, and alates may swarm |
Depending on these factors, termites can take years or as little as a few months to do serious structural damage. This is why prompt attention matters. Read the 3 most destructive termite species in Queensland to see how fast each one works.
Understanding the Termite’s Need for Moisture and Wood
To survive and grow, termites need two things: moisture and cellulose from wood. Without adequate moisture, termites dry out and do not survive. Moisture also dampens wood and aids digestion, helping them process cellulose properly.
Cellulose is a primary food source for termites, and digested wood also helps in the construction of the nest. This makes wood important to termite colonies. It also explains why these areas of a home carry the most risk:
- Leaking taps, pipes and downpipes near the walls.
- Poorly ventilated subfloors and damp soil under the house.
- Timber, mulch or garden beds in contact with the ground.
- Stumps, firewood and stored timber near the home.
Our guide to why termites invade homes explains how to reduce these risks.
Signs a Colony Has Matured
A mature colony usually gives some clues, although many are hidden inside walls and subfloors. Check for these signs and book an inspection if you notice any of them.
- Discarded wings near windows, doors and light fittings.
- Mud tubes on walls, piers or slab edges.
- Timber that sounds hollow when tapped.
- Bubbling paint, or doors and windows that start to stick.
- Small piles of droppings that look like sawdust near timber.
- Termites or flying insects gathering around lights after warm, humid rain.
- Soft or spongy patches in floors or skirting boards.
Targeting the Queen for Permanent Colony Elimination
To eradicate a termite nest, it is essential to reach the queen. This is easier said than done since the queen is hidden deep within the nest. Modern methods use termite behaviours like food-sharing and mutual grooming to spread the treatment through the whole colony.
| Treatment | How it reaches the queen |
|---|---|
| Baiting | Workers are lured to bait stations with slow-acting insecticides that they take back to the queen |
| Non-repellent liquid termiticide | Applied to the soil around the home. Termites carry the product back to the nest and spread it through social grooming, which gradually kills the colony |
| Fumigation | A drastic whole-property treatment generally reserved for severe drywood cases. We will tell you if it applies |
The right option depends on the species, the building and where the entry points are. A termite inspection comes first, so the plan matches your property. Ask the technician to explain which method they recommend and why, and what the follow-up schedule will be.
Are You Concerned About Termites in Your Property? Call Us
Control Pest Management provides termite inspections and treatments to commercial and residential clients. Our technicians are licensed, fully insured and police checked, and our treatments are suitable for children and pets. We service the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Gladstone and Logan. Request a free quote or call 1300 357 246.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the castes in a termite colony?
A termite colony has a king and queen, workers, soldiers and reproductives called alates. The king and queen found the colony and the queen lays the eggs. Workers do the labour, soldiers defend the colony with large heads and powerful jaws, and winged alates leave to start new colonies.
How long does it take termites to damage a home?
It depends on the species and the size of the colony. Subterranean termites are especially destructive and can build mature colonies quickly, while drywood termites generally move slower. Mature colonies hold thousands or millions of termites, so serious structural damage can take years or as little as a few months.
What do termites need to survive?
Termites need two things: moisture and cellulose from wood. Moisture keeps them hydrated, because without it they will dry out and die, and it dampens wood to help them digest cellulose. Cellulose is their primary food source, and digested wood also helps in building the nest.
How do you kill a termite colony?
To eradicate a nest, treatment has to reach the queen, who is hidden deep within it. Modern methods use food-sharing and mutual grooming to spread the product. They include baiting with slow-acting insecticides and non-repellent liquid termiticide applied to the soil. Fumigation is generally reserved for severe drywood cases.
When do termite alates swarm?
Swarms happen when a colony reaches maturity, and they often follow warm, humid weather and rain in spring and summer. Seeing alates or discarded wings means a mature colony is likely nearby. Do not disturb the area, note where you saw them and book an inspection.