Common Termite Species

• Coptotermes acinaciformus

  This is the most destructive termite species in Australia. It attacks all timber structures and damages forest and ornamental trees as well as fruit trees. Although Mastotermes darwiniensis is the more destructive where both occur together, Mastotermes darwiniensis’ is confined to the top part of Australia, mostly in the tropical areas.

  Soil contact is desirable for this species, but not essential, provided that it has an assured moisture supply and security in its habitat. Colonies have been found on the top of multistorey buildings where there is a constant water supply, but no ground contact. Large colonies have also been found inside wooden barges that do not have contact with the ground, moisture being supplied through the timber from the fresh or salt water. This species has caused fire by shorting out electrical wiring, and in one suburb of Sydney, it so severely damaged the large subterranean cable carrying electric power to a hospital that supply failure blacked out a large and sensitive part of the hospital.

• Shedorhinotermes

  The various species of Schedorhinotermes may be serious pests of timber in service. Their attack of wood in buildings at times approaches the intensity of Coptotermes acinaciformis. They reach their food in the same way, by means of subterranean tunnels and shelter tubes.

• Nasutitermes

  Nasutitermes exitiosus causes damage to sound wood in service, but because of its mound- building habit it is soon detected in most cases. Other species attack weathered or decayed wood, and some are grass feeders. Most Nasutitermes species prefer hardwoods to pine timbers.