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TERMITES IN
EASTERN AUSTRALIA
Australia has three termite types - dampwood
termites, drywood termites and sub-terranean termites
The importance of the correct identification of the termite species by a termite
control professional is essential as some termite species will not cause damage
to buildings or other timber in service, many termite species are grass eaters
or will be found only in trees. In rare occasions these termite species may be
found in buildings but this is considered abnormal and if found damage has been
noted to be insignificant.
Dampwood termites commonly attack distressed or dead trees, decaying stumps or
damp
timber in the ground. They are rarely found in dry timbers in buildings. They
generally establish small independent colonise that are localised.
Drywood termites primarily are found in tropical areas, where the atmospheric
humidity is normally above 75 percent. The West Indian drywood termite has been introduced
to Australia and is considered to be extremely destructive, this Termite species
has been located in NSW in the past and undetected colonies may still exist.
When found specialised
eradication procedures are needed which may involve wrapping the entire building in plastic and
using methyl bromide fumigation. When found the appropriate government
authorities need to be informed.
Sub-terranean termites cause major
structural timber damage to buildings. Sub-terranean termites cause a large
majority of structural timber pest damage found in homes in NSW.
LIFE CYCLE OF
SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES
References
Australian Standard 3660 Protection of Buildings from Subterranean Termites -
Prevention, Detection and Treatment of Infestation
is available from
Standards Australia - telephone Sydney 9746 4700
Australian Standard 4349.3 Inspection of Buildings. Part 3: Timber pest
inspections is available from Standards Australia - telephone Sydney 9746
4700.
Australian Termites by P Hadlington. This is an excellent book on
Termites and Termite Control. Available from the Co-Op Bookshop - telephone
Sydney 9325 9600. You can use your credit card and have them mail it to you.
Urban Pest Control in Australia by P Hadlington & J Gerozisis. The
industry text book for over 30 years. Recent edition available from the Co-Op
Bookshop - telephone Sydney 9325 9600.
Wood-destroying Insects, Wood Borers and Termites, by J.W. Creffield. An
excellent publication from CSIRO Publishing - telephone Melbourne 9662 7666.
Credit card facility available.
If you want to order a Pre-Purchase Inspection please print a
Pre
Inspection Agreement
form and fax it to our office.
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