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about termites

Australia has about 350 species of termites of which about 20 species are economically important.

The species of significance are:

Termites can be grouped into three categories, according to their moisture environment. The three categories are;
Subterranean termites - the most important economically. They live in the ground and carry moisture from the ground to their nests
Dampwood termites - need damp conditions
Drywood termites - mainly in the tropics and need moisture in the timber
Subterranean termites are often found in nests in trees or stumps and the nest may last for many years. Attacks on buildings originate from the nests. They build mud galleries which can go over concrete, up brickwork, and through the centre of timber.
Drywood termites are tropical species, usually located near the coast. They form nests inside the wood upon which they feed. They do not build mud tunnels or connect to the ground. Drywood termites can be very difficult to locate due their small colonies. The Timber Pest Inspections code AS4349.3 specifically mentions drywood termites and does not require inspections and reports for this type of termite (AS4349.3-1998, Sec 1.1 Note 1).

Termites eat almost any thing that contains cellulose, like wood. However they can be very destructive on other materials such as concrete, lead, plastics, paper, steel, plaster, and so on. They are blind, don't like the day light, they work 24hrs a day, they like moisture, and do not like noise. Most termite activity in the house that we find used to be called a sub-nest. This is not strictly correct because there is no king or queen termite. It is better referred to as a bivouac, in other words a large group of termites taking food back to the nest.

If you find termites active do not disturb them. This is to allow the pest Control Company to properly apply their treatment and have a good chance to eradicate the termites. At a certain times of the year, termites develop a reproductive type or Alate, which can fly. When this happens they come out through door jams and architraves or around windows. Where they come through is usually above the main nest. After flight termites usually fly into the trees around the area, from here they eat their way down to the base of the tree where they form a nest. From here they work under ground looking for food source and yes they find there way into houses. Either through weep holes or under slabs or just eat the timber framed houses at the base.

termite links

Here are some links to excellent information about termites.

Termites of Australia
University of Toronto Termites
Peninsula Pest Management
Pestweb
Australian Environmental Pest Management Association
National Pest Management Association
Environpest Pest Management QLD
Aardwolf Pestkare Singapore
Callisto Systems France
Pestec
Pestcert
CSIRO
ISS Facility Services