Termites
Termites or 'White Ants' as they are often called, have a highly developed social organisation, they live in colonies, numbering from a few hundred to millions. In each colony there are several distinct castes, each of which has particular structure and functions related to the survival and maintenance of the colony. Although in many ways their behavior appears to resemble that of the ants, termites are not in fact ants but rather are more closely related to the cockroach.
Termites’ diet consists mostly of cellulose, which is obtained from a variety of sources such as living trees, seasoned timber, books and grasses.
There are three distinct species of termites that are of concern in the Gold Coast and Tweed region:
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Subterranean Termites - these termites build their nest in trees, in tree stumps, under houses and within enclosed patios or other areas where timber has been buried or stored in contact with the soil. Subterranean termites’ habitats are limited by their need to obtain moisture from a water source.
Subterranean termites can gain entry in houses and buildings in a variety of ways:
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By constructing mud tubes over concrete stumps
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By tunneling up the centre pipe of wooden stumps
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Constructing mud tubes from the soil to the flooring within cavity walls
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Through hairline cracks which appear in concrete slabs around plumbing and electrical conduits.
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Dampwood Termites – these termites will attack timber in contact with the ground, such as poles, fencing, weatherboard and trees. These termites are more commonly found in older houses where wood is in contact with the ground and there is poor ventilation or leaks from plumbing.
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Drywood Termites – these termites are capable of attacking sound, seasoned wood that is not in contact with the ground. They obtain their moisture from the atmosphere and as a result can attack small articles of furniture and structural timber in houses.
It is important to note that certain termite species can cause a vast amount of damage to a building in a short period of time. If you find termites in or around your property, it is essential that you do NOT disturb them and promptly contact your local termite specialist for an inspection of the property and advice on the protective measures available.
Additional Information
The following documents were prepared by the Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation (FWPRDC) and provide an easy to understand outline of what householders need to know if they have termites or want to protect themselves from termite attack.
The following document was prepared by the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA) and provides a brief overview of termites and what you should do to ensure that you are protected.