Recognising the presence
of Termites

The main pest species of termite in Australia are subterranean, and once they have gained access to timber, they mostly excavate it internally. To maintain a high level of humidity and temperature, termites leave a thin layer of wood around their activity, so that their presence is not obvious. Often the first indication of an infestation is the collapse of flooring or of structural bearers and joists.

Termite activity is detected by one or several of the following characteristics:

• Termite shelter tubes. These are earthen tubes that originate from the ground, that appear on walls and foundations. They give protection to the termites and enable them to gain access to structural and joinery timbers of buildings. These tubes enable termites to reach sources of food that are not accessible to them any other way. Barriers such as metal foundations are also crossed by means of these tubes.
  
  
• Subterranean tunnels. Subterranean termite species make tunnels through the soil. These originate from the colony and are the main means of searching for food. Timber in or on the ground is attacked from these underground tunnels.
  
  
• Blowholes in trees. Subterranean termites often have their colonies in trees in both the trunk and the root crown areas. When the alates (these are the winged termites that fly off and establish new colonies) are ready to leave the colony, the workers cut a longitudinal slit in the trunk from the inner workings and the alates leave through it. When the flight is completed, the workers seal the hole and the tree in response to the original injury, produces callus tissue, which covers the hole with natural bark and wood. These raised areas of callous tissue are known as blowholes and often betray the existence of a colony inside the tree. Usually this is the only external evidence of a colonies presence.

• Earthen Packing. Termites working inside woodwork may produce large masses of mud-like earthen packing on the surface. This type of activity is also found on foundation walls where they meet the flooring or flooring bearers and joists.

• Flight tubes. When a colony is about to release alates for the colonising flight from a building it often produces small earthen flight tubes projecting horizontally from infested timbers or walls. Where these tubes occur, the colony or nest is usually within a few metres. After the alates have left, the workers seal the holes.
  
  
• Excavation of wood. Termites excavate wood leaving a thin outside layer of wood in tact, thus maintaining a higher humidity than outside. The type of excavation of wood is different for each particular species of termite.
  
  
• Termite noises. In houses and buildings infested by termites, an audible tapping sound may sometimes be heard. This appears to be caused by the soldiers' tapping their heads and mandibles on the wood, probably as a warning signal to others in the colony that there is some form of danger. It is heard mainly in subfloor areas where there is less atmospheric noise.
  
  

• Odour. Some species of termites have an odour associated with their presence, and although this is indistinct, it may be detected by those with a keen sense of smell.

• Presence of alates. When a colonising flight occurs in a building, many of the alates are caught in spider webs in roof voids and in subfloor areas, and if found in large numbers their origin should be investigated. Where these winged termites are numerous, the flight has occurred nearby and the colony is often very close.

• Tree nests. Some species of termites often make their nests in the hollow centre of tree trunks or in the root crown area. There is usually no superficial evidence of their presence unless a branch has broken off or there is some injury to the tree exposing their workings. Nests in the trunks of trees are difficult to locate, and often it is necessary to drill into the trunk to locate the hollow centre.

• Neighbour experience. When termites are suspected or found, but their source cannot be located, the immediate neighbours, when contacted, often give information on the history of termites in the area. This may lead to the nests being located, thus removing the hazard of infestation from the entire area with in the range of the colony.

• Collapsed timber. So well concealed are termite workings that the first indication of their presence may be the collapse of flooring or interior joinery.

This is why regular termite inspections are an important part of your home's annual maintenance. By having your home thoroughly checked each year, any of the conditions that are outlined above can be detected early enough before a colony can establish itself in your home.

Can you afford NOT to have your home checked?

If you would like to book a termite inspection for your
home or want to know how we can help protect your
home against termite attack, then call us today.

Phone: 45777910

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Editor's Note: This material was taken from "Australian termites and other common timber pests" written by Phillip Hadlington.

Also available is "A Homeowner's guide to the detection and control of termites and borers."

If you would be interested in owning a copy of this very useful reference guide, then contact our office.

All information contained in this newsletter is of a general nature. For a proper assessment of your own personal situation, please contact our office for a quote or to book in an inspection.