Types of Termites in Australia

Australian Termite Species: A Quick Overview

Termites are social insects that live in colonies of up to millions of individuals. They play an important role in the environment by breaking down dead wood and other plant material.

However, termites can also be serious pests, causing billions of dollars to damage homes and other structures yearly.

Australia is home to over 360 species of termites, but only a few are considered major pests. The most common and destructive termite species in Australia include:

• Coptotermes acinaciformis (subterranean termite)
• Schedorhinotermes intermedius (brown-headed termite)
• Microcerotermes turneri (eastern subterranean termite)
• Nasutitermes walkeri (tree termite)

Coptotermes acinaciformis (subterranean termite)

Coptotermes acinaciformis is the most common and destructive termite species in Australia. It is responsible for the majority of termite damage to homes and other structures.

Coptotermes acinaciformis is a subterranean termite, meaning that it lives underground and builds its nest in the soil. It can travel long distances underground in search of food, and it is often difficult to detect until it has already caused significant damage.

Schedorhinotermes intermedius (brownheaded termite)

Schedorhinotermes intermedius is another common and destructive termite species in Australia. It is also a subterranean termite but less common than Coptotermes acinaciformis.

Schedorhinotermes intermedius is known to nest in tree stumps, root crowns, and buried timber. It can also attack buildings, but it is more likely to attack buildings that are already in poor condition.

Image source: pest-ex.com.au/termites/schedorhinotermes-intermedius

Microcerotermes turneri (eastern subterranean termite)

Microcerotermes turneri is a subterranean termite that is found along the eastern coast of Australia. It is not as common or destructive as Coptotermes acinaciformis or Schedorhinotermes intermedius, but it can still cause significant damage to homes and other structures.

Microcerotermes turneri is known to nest in small mounds, in trees, and on top of posts. It is also known to attack weathered and decaying wood.

Image source: professionalpestmanager.com/termites/microcerotermes

Nasutitermes walkeri (tree termite)

Nasutitermes walkeri is a tree termite that is found along the coastal bush land from Sydney to Cairns. It is known to construct characteristic arboreal nests in the root crowns of trees.

Nasutitermes walkeri can also attack buildings, but it is more likely to attack buildings that are already in poor condition.

Image source: pest-ex.com.au/termites/nasutitermes-walkeri

How Can I Determine if They Are Termites?

Termites can be difficult to identify, especially for the untrained eye. However, there are a few general characteristics that can help you to identify termites:

• Termites are small, white or cream-coloured insects with long antennae.
• Termites have six legs.
• Termites have two pairs of wings that are equal in size.
• Termites have a narrow waist between the thorax and abdomen.

If you see insects in your home that match these characteristics, it is important to call a pest control professional to have them identified.

Conclusion

Termites are a serious problem in Australia, but there are a number of things that you can do to control and prevent them.

By being aware of the different termite species and the signs of termite infestation, you can take steps to protect your home from these destructive pests.