The Species of Termites Found in Australia 

Caste System of Termites

Termites are social insects and thus maintain a caste system. They live in colonies and each termite has a role to play in order to maintain and sustain their colony.

A colony comprises three castes (with the exception of some Mastotermes):

• The Reproductives comprise the queen and king and future reproductives, called alates, which will eventually leave the colony, mate and form new colonies.
• The Soldiers, the defenders of the colony.
• The Workers travel long distances using underground tunnels and mudtubes to forage for food for the entire colony. A termite colony comprises mostly of workers. They are also the most destructive group because they are in charge of hunting for food.

A single colony can house more than one million termites. The Queen can live for at least 50 years, while the workers can live for up to six years.

Each year, 60,000 reproductives will fly away from their colonies to find their mate and establish their own colonies.

Factors that Increase the Risk of Termites

Termites are a natural part of our ecosystem, but they still need to be avoided at all costs, given the economic impact they cause on properties. Knowing the ideal conditions that increase the potential for termite attack can help in keeping them away.

Availability of food and shelter. A sure way to attract termites is the availability of food and shelter. Termites have a voracious appetite for anything cellulose (even non-cellulose things), including timber structures and wood piles. If these materials are available in your property, you are inviting termites into your property.

Moisture and humidity. Termites thrive on moisture and humidity, which is why they nest on damp, decayed wood, or any wood that is in contact with the ground. Humid, damp areas in buildings such as walls with leaking pipes and humid basement are appealing to them.

Shrubbery and wood products around the property. Properties with dense vegetation and stored timber attract termites. These things also help them hide their activity from people.

Termite infestation at your neighbours. Even if you’re doing your best to keep termites away, your efforts may be for naught if your close neighbours are doing the opposite. When termites are done with your neighbours, the next victim could be you.

Lack of termite barrier or control. Even if you’re doing all the right things, there is still a chance of a termite attack, especially if your home has no termite barrier in place. Installing one is an effective preventive measure to discourage termites.

How Destructive Are Termites?

Termites are good at hiding their activity from humans that considerable damage could be done to a property before an infestation is discovered. Home or building insurance doesn’t cover termite damage, which can be extensive and expensive, especially in structures that are unprotected.

The cost can range from an average of $7000 to more than $100,000 in more severe cases. In addition to the structure of buildings, termites can also wreak havoc on other objects such as furniture, paper products, as well as non-cellulose products such as rigid foam insulation and building sealants.

How Do Your Protect Your Property from Termites?

The best prevention against termite is by having your house inspected annually to check for rotting wood, mud tubes or obvious signs of termite presence in and around your home.

Because most termites thrive on moisture, make sure to dry all moisture and repair any water leak from pipes, gutters, etc. Don’t store lumber or firewood near your house; store them at a safe distance to keep termites away.

With so many different species, it is hard even for pest control specialists to identify termites. But with experience, know-how and advanced technologies, they are still the best people to call when you’re dealing with termites.

If you see signs of termite presence in your property or suspect it, contact your local pest control experts immediately!