There are about 30 species of soil-dwelling (subterranean) termites in Australia and SE Qld is classified as a high risk area with regard to Termite attack.
Subterranean termites eat timber and timber products or any material containing cellulose (their principal food) and this could include building contents such as furniture, printed materials, fabrics, clothing, footwear, packing cases and tools. Termites can also damage some non-cellulose materials, for example, inferior concrete, soft metals, and soft plastics, building sealants and rigid foam insulation.
Typically, termites form nests in the soil, near ground level in a stump, the trunk of a living tree or other suitable piece of wood. A colony may exist for many years and, as it matures, can have a population well in excess of one million termites.
Termites build underground foraging galleries to look for wood but attack may occur well above ground level either inside the wood or by way of mud-walled shelter-tubes ‘plastered’ to exposed surfaces. In some cases, where a source of permanent moisture, e.g. leaking plumbing, is available to the termites within the building, subterranean termites can form a nest inside a building without soil contact.
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) demands that new homes, units, townhouses and apartments are built with a termite management system in place. This takes the form of a physical barrier (stainless steel mesh or fine pebbles) or a chemical barrier around the perimeter of the building.
Over time these barriers may fail because the chemical may lose its potency or physical barriers may be disturbed by earthworks on the property - a new carport, garage, garden shed or even just adding a new garden. Chemical barriers may need to be replenished as soon as 5 years after installation.
Termite prevention is a necessary chore for all home owners so be aware of areas where there is regularly moisture - air conditioner drain hoses, hot water system overflows, laundry outlets because Termites like moist areas. Be mindful if any shelter-tubes appear on the vertical edges of building slabs or above ground structures as the termites are preparing their means of entry into the building.
If you notice Termite activity on your property the best action is to call for professional Termite Control. Do not disturb the Termites as they will quickly disappear making it difficult to locate them or their nest.
