Biology Subterranean termites usually have to maintain contact with the soil to obtain sufficient moisture to survive. They live together in a colony and are divided into various castes, each with a specific duty. Worker termites are by far the most numerous of the castes. They forage for food, care for the young and build the nest. The workers are responsible for damage to timber caused in their search for food, which consists mainly of cellulose, sugars and starches that present in the timber. Protection of the colony is the duty of a relatively small number of soldier termites. Nature has equipped these soldiers with physical and chemical weaponry to help them repel invaders. A further caste consists of the reproductive termites responsible for the propagation of the species. These reproductive termites grow wings and are known as alates. Once a year, usually in early summer, on a warm and humid evening, they swarm from the nest. After a short flight these males and females shed their wings prior to mating. Most of these potential “king and queen” termites either fall prey to birds, lizards, ants or spiders, or die of exposure before they can find a suitable location. But, if they find a suitable environment, a new colony will result, which over time, may contain over one million termites. Whenever termites leave the soil in their search for food, they construct mud tunnels to protect them from predators and also to ensure that a high level of life sustaining moisture is maintained within the workings.

An industry organization with the goal of providing Australians with the best, safest and most cost effective pest management service. Members are bound by a strict code of ethics which requires them, among other things, to ensure that all work is carried out in accordance with industry codes of practice and Government regulations. The highest priority is given to safety and care for the environment. If you are concerned about existing or potential termite infestation, don’t try to solve the problem yourself at the risk of harming your family or pets. Just pick up the phone and call your local Association member. Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association Ltd GPO Box 4886, Sydney NSW 2001 P: or F: E: --W: What You Should Do When You Find Termites… If you uncover termites, try to put things back as they were. Ripping out flooring boards, architraves, etc, may kill the few termites in those timbers, but in doing so you have lessened the chances of an expert effectively treating the main nest. They will regroup and probably choose to attack another section of the structure. Control your anxiety; waiting another few days before treatment makes little difference to the extent of the damage. Management New Construction The risk of attack can be reduced if effort is made to remove stumps, roots, offcuts and to properly consolidate the soil to minimize cracks in concrete slabs. Termites don’t eat concrete but if it cracks, they may widen the crack and get up into the interior timber walls. Long term protection can be gained by the application of chemical or physical barriers, or both, to prevent termites from penetrating the structure. An Australian Standard has been written on the subject. The aim is to keep timber away from soil contact and to ensure termites have to build a mud tube out in the open where it can be seen during a regular, careful inspection. Existing Structures Treatment for prevention or control in an existing building is definitely work for a trained professional, for a variety of reasons, including access to the appropriate materials. There are a range of effective methods for treating termites in existing structures and these can be placed into three categories - chemical repellents, chemical non- repellents and insect growth regulators (dusts and/or monitoring & baiting systems). Inspection It is important that at least annually, you have a termite inspection performed by a trained professional. The professional will inspect for active termites, damage caused by termites and conditions conducive to attack. Pre Purchase Inspections Before you buy a home, office or factory, have an expert inspect it. The cost of a full report is minimal compared with the expense of repairs, these inspections cover all timber pests. Pest Profile Series Subterranean Termites They are not really white and they are not really ants but these insects are often referred to as “white ants”. Although termites play an important role in nature, a few species attack man-made wooden structures and objects, earning themselves a reputation as the most destructive timber pests known to man. For prompt attention, contact your local Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association member AUSTRALIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PEST MANAGERS ASSOCIATION