It is essential for your termite control professional to properly identify
the species of termite found in your property. Some species of termites
found in trees, for example, will not attack dry seasoned timbers in a building,
whilst others can be are highly destructive to such buildings in a short
amount of time.
Coptotermes
acinaciformis
Commonly found throughout Victoria - particularly in urban areas or where
eucalypt gum trees are highly prevalent.
Nest Location - Coptotermes acinaciformis are a very secretive termite
species; they build their nest out of sight, often within the base of eucalyptus
or other susceptible trees, or completely under the ground; often within
an enclosed patio or under concrete (on ground) flooring which is ideal
for moisture retention, temperature and humidity control within the termite
colony nest. This species often build subsidiary nests away from the main
colony nest. A subsidiary nest can be contained in a wall cavity of a building
where there is a reliable moisture source, for example, from a leaking shower
recess or faulty guttering or rusted down pipes.
Destructive Nature - Coptotermes acinaciformis are highly destructive
to buildings and other timber structures. They are the most widely distributed
and destructive timber pest in Australia, accounting for more than 70% of
the serious damage to buildings in Victoria. A single colony may consist
of more than one million termites. A most voracious timber pest ... one
to be taken seriously.
Coptotermes
frenchi
Commonly found throughout Victoria; the most prevalent destructive termite
species in the Gippsland and other regions where eucalypt gum trees are
present. They are highly active in Melbourne and other urban areas in Victoria,
where buildings are constructed of softwood or oregon timber framing.
Nest Location - Coptotermes frenchi most often build their nest in
the root crown or lower trunk area of living trees, particularly eucalypts.
They may also build their nest as a mound in the dryer areas of Victoria.
Destructive Nature - Coptotermes frenchi can cause severe damage
to buildings and other wooden structures. It is common for this species
to devour timber framing leaving only a thin veneer. This species is the
most shy of the destructive species; they will retreat from a location immediately
(for the time being) if disturbed. Requires expert knowledge and a sensitive
touch to gain effective control.
Nasutitermes exitiosus
Commonly found throughout Victoria - particularly in urban areas or where
eucalypt gum trees are highly prevalent.
Nest Location - Nasutitermes exitiosus build a mound nest which
protrudes 30cm to 75cm above the ground. Control can be as easy as knocking
the top off the nest and a follow up insecticide treatment inside the nest.
Destructive Nature - Nasutitermes exitiosus are destructive to buildings
and other timber structures. Sometimes severe damage may occur, but not
so commonly as the other species listed above.
Coptotermes lacteus
Commonly found in eastern Victoria - particularly prevalent in Melbourne,
Gippsland and Albury-Wodonga regions.
Nest Location - this termite species, most often builds it's nest as a mound
up to 2m above ground level, with hard clay walls, so control is easily
effected once located by knocking the top off and insecticide treatment
of the nest.
Destructive Nature - Coptotermes lacteus attacks stumps, dead trees,
timber fences, poles and other timber structures that are in contact with
the soil, being softened by weathering or decay. These termites are also
known to attack such timber in damp sub-floor areas.
Heterotermes ferox
Commonly found throughout Victoria - particularly in urban areas or where
eucalypt gum trees are highly prevalent.
Nest Location - Heterotermes ferox often build their colony nest
next to stumps, logs, or other timber in direct contact with the soil where
some wood decay or rotting is prevalent.
Destructive Nature - Heterotermes ferox are be destructive to damp
timbers and are usually found attacking fences, poles and other timber structures
subject to wood decay from weathering or from being in contact with the
soil. This species is often confused with the more aggressive and destructive
Coptotermes acinaciformis species. Correct identification is essential.
Dampwood termites - form small independent nests which often attack sick
or dead trees, decaying stumps or mouldy timber in the ground; they are
seldom found in dry timbers in buildings. |
termite control
