Australia is home to a diverse range of termites, each species exhibiting unique behaviours and characteristics. These termites, although small, can cause major damage to both residential and commercial properties.
Understanding the different types of termites that infest Australian homes is crucial for both prevention and treatment. Below, we will break down the main types of termites found in Australia. If you have more inquiries, about the topic, click now.
1. Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are the most common and destructive type of termite in Australia. These termites live in large colonies underground, often in the soil, and can cause severe damage to wooden structures, including houses and fences.
Characteristics Of Subterranean Termites
- Habitat: Found underground in moist conditions, where they build intricate tunnel systems to access food sources.
- Diet: Primarily wood and cellulose material, which they consume by tunnelling through wooden structures.
- Destructive Power: Known as “silent destroyers,” subterranean termites can cause significant structural damage before being noticed.
Features
- They require constant moisture, which is why they often build mud tunnels to travel between their colony and food sources.
- Subterranean termites are responsible for around 80% of termite damage in Australia.
- They are most active during warm months, making them a seasonal threat in many parts of the country.
Prevention And Control
- Inspection: Regularly check for mud tunnels along foundations or around wooden structures.
- Barrier Treatments: Install physical or chemical barriers to keep termites away from structures.
2. Drywood Termites
Drywood termites differ from subterranean termites because they do not need contact with the ground to survive. They live in dry, undisturbed wood, making them more likely to infest timber in homes, furniture, and even structural beams.
Characteristics Of Drywood Termite
- Habitat: Dry, seasoned wood is preferred for structures like roof beams, wooden furniture, and window frames.
- Diet: Wood and cellulose material.
- Destructive Power: Can cause significant damage over time, especially in areas where wood is not inspected or treated regularly.
Features
- Drywood termites do not require moisture from the ground and can live inside dry wood for years without needing to return to the soil.
- They often leave behind small piles of sawdust, which is a clear indication of their presence.
- This species is more prevalent in coastal areas of Australia, where humid, warm conditions support their activity.
Prevention And Control
- Regular Inspection: Look for signs of frass (sawdust-like pellets) around wooden structures and furniture.
- Treatment: Apply fumigation or use heat treatment to eradicate dry wood termites from infested timber.
3. Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites are less commonly found in urban areas but can still pose a threat to buildings located in moist or high-rainfall regions. They prefer wood with high moisture content, often infesting decaying timber in trees or old, damp structures.
Characteristics Of Dampwood Termites
- Habitat: Typically found in moist or decaying wood, often in trees, dead wood, or poorly maintained, water-damaged buildings.
- Diet: Wood with high moisture content is preferred, and it is typically found in areas prone to moisture accumulation.
- Destructive Power: While they are generally less destructive than subterranean termites, they can still cause significant damage if left untreated.
Features
- Dampwood termites are more likely to infest old, rotting timber or wood with poor ventilation.
- Unlike other species, they do not usually form large colonies and tend to infest only small areas of wood.
- These termites are often found in regions with high rainfall or humidity, such as parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Prevention And Control
- Moisture Control: Fix any leaks or moisture issues around your property to deter damp wood termites.
- Wood Treatment: Use treated timber in areas prone to moisture and ensure proper ventilation in areas like attics and basements.
4. Formosan Termites
Formosan termites are an invasive species in Australia, originating from East Asia. They are one of the most aggressive and destructive types of termites, capable of causing significant damage in a short period of time. Their large colonies and rapid reproduction rates make them a serious threat to homes and businesses.
Characteristics Of Formosan Termites
- Habitat: Primarily subterranean, forming large colonies in the soil, often near water sources like rivers and wetlands.
- Diet: Wood, cellulose, and other plant materials.
- Destructive Power: Extremely destructive, with the ability to cause rapid structural damage due to the size and aggressiveness of their colonies.
Features
- Known for their ability to build large colonies, sometimes containing millions of termites.
- They can destroy large areas of wood quickly due to their sheer numbers and rapid feeding.
- Formosan termites are more likely to infest properties in warmer, coastal areas where they thrive in humid conditions.
Prevention And Control
- Barrier Systems: Install physical or chemical barriers around your property to prevent termite entry.
- Baiting Systems: Baiting systems are used to reduce the termite population and eliminate the colony.
5. Mastotermes Termites
Mastotermes termites are considered one of the most primitive and destructive species of termites in Australia. These termites are found in tropical and subtropical regions and are capable of causing rapid damage to both wood and vegetation.
Characteristics Of Mastotermes Termites
- Habitat: Typically found in decaying wood and plant material, including trees and old wooden structures.
- Diet: Wood, plant material, and organic substances.
- Destructive Power: Highly destructive, particularly in tropical regions where they can cause significant damage to both homes and plant life.
Features
- Mastotermes termites are known for their aggressive behaviour and large colonies, which can quickly overwhelm an area.
- They are capable of attacking a wide variety of organic materials, making them a threat not only to homes but also to crops and trees.
- These termites are most commonly found in the northern parts of Australia, particularly in tropical regions.
Prevention And Control
- Monitoring: Regularly inspect wooden structures in tropical regions for signs of termite activity.
- Early Treatment: Use both chemical and physical treatments to manage infestations early and prevent damage.
6. Conehead Termites
Conehead termites are another invasive species in Australia, originally from the Caribbean. These termites are particularly aggressive and form large colonies capable of causing serious damage to wooden structures.
Characteristics Of Conehead Termites
- Habitat: Typically found in wooden structures, particularly near water sources such as gardens or around damp buildings.
- Diet: Wood, cellulose, and plant material.
- Destructive Power: Very destructive, capable of rapidly infesting and damaging wooden structures.
Features
- Conehead termites are easily identifiable by their distinctive cone-shaped heads, which help protect their colonies.
- These termites form large, aggressive colonies that can quickly spread through wooden structures.
- Like Formosan termites, they are more likely to be found in warmer, humid regions of Australia.
Prevention And Control
- Inspection: Regularly check your property for signs of infestation, particularly in areas with high moisture.
- Fumigation: Fumigation is a common method for eradicating conehead termites from infested buildings.
Conclusion
In Australia, termites represent a major threat to property and infrastructure. Understanding the different types of termites, their habitats, and feeding habits is vital for preventing and controlling infestations.
Subterranean termites, drywood termites, dampwood termites, Formosan termites, Mastotermes termites, and Conehead termites all have unique characteristics, but they share the ability to cause severe damage to homes and other wooden structures.
Regular inspections, maintenance, and prompt treatment are essential for minimising the risk of termite infestations and safeguarding your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Most Common Types Of Termites In Australia?
The most common types of termites found in Australia include subterranean termites, drywood termites, and dampwood termites. Each of these species poses a threat to homes and buildings, with subterranean termites being the most widespread and destructive.
How Can I Identify A Termite Infestation?
Signs of a termite infestation include visible mud tunnels, soft or hollow-sounding wood, and sawdust (frass) near infested timber. You may also notice discarded wings near windows and entry points.
What Are The Best Methods To Prevent Termite Damage?
The best ways to prevent termite damage include regular inspections by pest control experts, eliminating moisture sources around your property, sealing cracks and gaps in the building’s structure, and using termite barriers or treatments.