Biology
Subterranean termites usually have to maintain
contact with the soil to obtain sufficient moisture to
survive. They live together in a colony and are divided
into various castes, each with a specific duty.
Worker termites are by far the most numerous of the
castes. They forage for food, care for the young and
build the nest. The workers are responsible for
damage to timber caused in their search for food,
which consists mainly of cellulose, sugars and
starches that present in the timber.
Protection of the colony is the duty of a relatively
small number of soldier termites. Nature has
equipped these soldiers with physical and chemical
weaponry to help them repel invaders.
A further caste consists of the reproductive termites
responsible for the propagation of the species. These
reproductive termites grow wings and are known as
alates.
Once a year, usually in early summer, on a warm and
humid evening, they 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 will result, which over
time, may contain over one million termites.
Whenever termites leave the soil in their search for
food, they construct mud tunnels to protect them
from predators and also to ensure that a high level of
life sustaining moisture is maintained within the
workings.
What You Should Do When You Find Termites…
If you uncover termites, try to put things back as they
were. Ripping out flooring boards, architraves, etc, may kill
the few termites in those timbers, but in doing so you have
lessened the chances of an expert effectively treating the
main nest. They will regroup and probably choose to attack
another section of the structure.
Control your anxiety; waiting another few days before
treatment makes little difference to the extent of the
damage.
Management
New Construction
The risk of attack can be reduced if effort is made to
remove stumps, roots, offcuts and to properly consolidate
the soil to minimize cracks in concrete slabs. Termites don’t
eat concrete but if it cracks, they may widen the crack and
get up into the interior timber walls.
Long term protection can be gained by the application of
chemical or physical barriers, or both, to prevent termites
from penetrating the structure. An Australian Standard has
been written on the subject. The aim is to keep timber
away from soil contact and to ensure termites have to
build a mud tube out in the open where it can be seen
during a regular, careful inspection.
Existing Structures
Treatment for prevention or control in an existing building
is definitely work for a trained professional, for a variety of
reasons, including access to the appropriate materials.
There are a range of effective methods for treating
termites in existing structures and these can be placed into
three categories - chemical repellents, chemical nonrepellents and insect growth regulators (dusts and/or
monitoring & baiting systems).
AUSTRALIAN
ENVIRONMENTAL PEST
MANAGERS ASSOCIATION
Pest Profile Series
Subterranean Termites
They are not really white and they are not really ants but
these insects are often referred to as “white ants”.
Although termites play an important role in nature, a few
species attack man-made wooden structures and objects,
earning themselves a reputation as the most destructive
timber pests known to man.
An industry organization with the goal of providing
Australians with the best, safest and most
cost
effective pest management service.
Members are bound by a strict code of ethics which
requires them, among other things, to ensure that all
work is carried out in accordance with industry codes of
practice and Government regulations. The highest
priority is given to safety and care for the environment.
If you are concerned about existing or potential termite
infestation, don’t try to solve the problem yourself at
the risk of harming your family or pets. Just pick up the
phone and call your local Association member.
Inspection
It is important that at least annually, you have a termite
inspection performed by a trained professional. The
professional will inspect for active termites, damage
caused by termites and conditions conducive to attack.
Pre Purchase Inspections
Before you buy a home, office or factory, have an expert
inspect it. The cost of a full report is minimal compared
with the expense of repairs, these inspections cover all
timber pests.
Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association Ltd
GPO Box 4886, Sydney NSW 2001
P: 1800 252 772 or 02 9232 8929 -- F: 02 9232 8929
E: [email protected] --W: www.aepma.com.au
For prompt attention, contact your local Australian
Environmental Pest Managers Association member