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Termite infestations, if left untreated, can cause severe damage to any property. The worse thing is to realise that your home insurance doesn’t cover the structural damage caused by termites! In order to prevent your home from being ravaged by these pests, it’s best to call a pest exterminator to deal with the problem.

Most pest control companies start the treatment by first identifying the termite species that decided to wreak havoc on your property. Out of the 258 known termite species in Australia, there are a few wood-damaging species that can cause many problems to urban areas. It’s best to know which of these species can be commonly found in homes so you can call your pest exterminator to take care of it.

Coptotermes Acinaciformis

The most common of all the termite species in Australia is the Coptotermes Acinaciformis. It is said to be responsible for more than two-thirds of all the termite damage in the country. Acinaciformis is a subterranean termite species that is also the most widespread of all the timber pests.

Coptotermes Acinaciformis prefer to nest in dark and damp spaces beneath walls and buildings. They also thrive in trees, stumps, and even fallen timber near houses. Soldiers are commonly described to have pear-shaped heads, and can typically grow around 7mm long. This particular type is considered Australia’s most destructive pest because of their ability to overrun any living space without being detected.

Dampwood Termites

This particular type of termite loves to invade decaying pieces of wood that have been exposed to a lot of moisture. If you have any timber lying around near your house, a Dampwood termite will likely build a nest there. They can live inside decayed wood for years, where they build large open spaces for them to multiply. 

If your house or building is reported to have moisture problems, it’s best to have an exterminator check if some Dampwood termites have decided to settle in them.

Drywood Termites

This species prefers hardwood and softwood like those commonly found in furniture. Unlike the rampant Acinaciformis, Drywood termites live in colonies with fewer than 1000 members. Sometimes, a single piece of wood can house several small colonies coexisting together, which explains why they are often called social insects.

Nasutitermes Exitiosus

The Nasutitermes Exitiosus is another example of a subterranean termite with a pointed head and a dark brown colour. They build nests near Eucalyptus gum trees and are more commonly found in the area of New South Wales and Canberra.

Like most subterranean species, the Nasutitermes Exitiosus undergo incomplete metamorphosis. While other species of termites have life cycles that include a larval and pupal stage, subterranean termites only undergo three stages—egg, nymph, and adult. The nymphs are the ones to go on and become soldiers and workers within the general colony.

Mastotermes Darwiniensis

Also known as the Giant Northern termite, the Mastotermes Darwiniensis has a distinct reddish-brown head that is both large and rounded. Their abdomen structure is uncannily familiar to cockroaches.

Giant Northern termite colonies are quite small if left to natural conditions. However, if given an abundant supply of water and a good food source, their populations can become quite massive, numbering in millions. They’re quite potent to the point of becoming a major agricultural pest. Farming in Northern Australia has become virtually impossible because of the presence of this pest.

Conclusion

Understanding termites, their behavioural patterns, habitats, and what they eat can actually help you keep an infestation under control. There are numerous species of termites in Australia alone, and some can become quite a destructive force if left untreated. It’s always best to seek the help of a pest exterminator to get rid of the ruinous pest that infects your home.

Enduring a termite infestation can only result in more destruction. Why not defend your territory and seek the help of a professional bug exterminator? CROSSFIRE Pest Solutions provides both commercial and home pest control services with maximum effectiveness. Our team takes pride in our 24-hour response time, and we’ll make sure to address your issue immediately! Contact us today for a free consultation!