Types Of termites In Australia

Australia is home to several species of termites, and they can be categorized into three main types based on their nesting and feeding habits:

1. Subterranean Termites (Coptotermes spp.): These are the most destructive termites in Australia and are responsible for the majority of termite-related damage. They build their nests underground and construct mud tunnels to reach their food sources, often attacking timber in buildings.
2. Drywood Termites (Cryptotermes spp.): Drywood termites infest dry and sound timber, making them less common than subterranean termites. They do not require contact with the soil and can live entirely within the wood they infest.
3. Dampwood Termites (Mastotermes spp.): Dampwood termites are less common but tend to infest moist, decaying wood. They have the ability to digest cellulose directly, unlike subterranean termites, which rely on gut bacteria for this process.

In addition to these three main types, Australia is home to several other termite species, including various Nasutitermes, Schedorhinotermes, and Microcerotermes species. It’s important to identify the specific termite species in your area when implementing termite control measures, as different species may have varying behaviors and preferences for nesting and feeding. Decke termite bait systems are broad based and kill almost all sub-terrenean termites except the Mastotermes darwiniensis.

The Mastotermes darwiniensis’ common names is giant northern termite and Darwin termite, and is a termite species found only in northern Australia.