THE TERMITE THREAT
Termites (Isoptera) are an ancient order of insects whose origins date back more than 100 million years to the Cretaceous period.
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Did you know? Although they are commonly called 'white ants', the resemblance to ants is superficial and they are more closely related to cockroaches (Blattodea).
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What do termites feed on?They feed on cellulose-based material like woods, books, boxes, furniture and drywall coverings. Termites are constantly forages and have been found up to 50 metres from a colony.
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Why are they a threat to my home? Termite colonies work 24 hours a day, and signs of termite infestations can go undiscovered until serious damage is done. Because homeowners insurance typically does not cover termite damage, termite detection & continued termite treatment are the best ways to help your property.
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Types of Termites:Termites can be grouped into three categories: dampwood, drywood and subterranean.
| Dampwood termites generally live in damp rotting logs or rot pockets in dead or living trees. |
Dampwood termite Glyptotermes brevicornis (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)
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Drywood termitesobtain water from the wood in which they live and have no contact with the soil, or with any other source of moisture. Their colonies can be dispersed wiithin your home and can spread, infesting more than one area. Drywood termites cause considerable damage to timber structures in coastal areas in Queensland. Knowledge of the habits of drywood termites and regular inspections of buildings and houses are the best insurance against these pests. The West Indian drywood termite is a notifiable disease and treatment, at present, is undertaken and supervised without cost to the householder. Therefore, identification of species is recommended before treatment is implemented.
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Drywood termite Cryptotermes primus (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) |
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Subterranean termitesare generally ground-dwelling or require contact with the soil or some constant source of moisture. They require moisture from the soil to survive, and can tunnel up to 50 metres to reach feeding sites. To reach food above ground, they build mud tubes to protect them from exposure to light, air & enemies.
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Subterranean termite Schedorhinotermes actuosus(Hill) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae: Rhinotermitinae) |
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Formosan Termites are a more aggressive specifics of Subterranean termites that can establish secondary nests above ground. High Impact Pest Species. |
Coptotermes termite
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Images courtesy of Pest & Disease Image Library @ www.padil.gov.au