ABOUT TERMITES

  • Termites love 3 things: timber (your home), moisture (leaking tap/pipes) and humidity (our wonderful climate).
  • Termite invasions are particularly common in the Northern Rivers because of our ideally suited conditions. CSIRO lists this as a very high risk area.
  • The most destructive termite species overall in Australia is Coptotermes acinaciformis, well known for causing extensive structural damage to homes and property.
  • Coptotermes acinaciformis are a subterranean species meaning they build nests out of sight, either underground, within walls or in tree stumps with low light and constant moisture.
  • A termite queen can lay more than 1000 eggs per day, amounting to millions in a few years.
  • Swarms of winged (reproductive) termites, known as alates, take flight on warm, balmy nights – generally from October through to February – looking for a new place to set up home.
  • It only takes a single mating termite pair to start a new colony.
  • Termite queens can live for up to 25 years!

HOW TERMITES THREATEN HOMES

The most destructive termite species in Australia is Coptotermes acinaciformis. This species is commonly found in our region and well known for causing extensive structural damage to homes and property, even within 3 months of construction.

Coptotermes acinaciformis are a subterranean species, meaning they build nests out of sight, either underground, within walls or in tree stumps where light is low and moisture is available.

Nearby wooden structures can be attacked via underground tunnels. Even Indoor plants, leaking pipes or broken tiles can invite termites into the walls of your home.

Attacks on buildings usually originate below the ground, in soil, trees or other sheltered situations where a constant source of moisture is available.

HOW TO DISTINGUISH TERMITES FROM ANTS

  • Termite antennae are like a string of beads where ants have elbowed antennae.
  • Termites have no eyes while ants have compound eyes.
  • Termites have 2 segments whereas ants have 3 distinctly separate parts.
  • Termites have blunt ends while ants are pointed at their bottom end.
  • Termites are plant-tissue specialists feeding on wood or grasses while ants scavenge for a range of different foods.
  • Both ants and termites have reproductive forms with wings. Termites have equal fore and hind wings with no obvious veins while winged reproductive ants have strongly veined, unequal wings.
  • Termites are secretive creatives, staying away from sunlight while ants are usually found out in the open.
Termites are not Ants
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