There are said to be more than 300 types of termites found in Australia. While our country is a fertile breeding ground for these insects, there are only a few specific types that we deal with in the pest control industry. All of these are damaging creatures which are not welcome on any property. The most significant termites can be categorised into four major groups: coptotermes, schedorhinotermes, nasutitermes, mastotermes.

Coptotermes

The two groups of coptotermes are coptotermes acinaciformis and coptotermes frenchi. The acinaciformis variety are located throughout Australia’s mainland, particularly in urban areas and regions with numerous eucalypt trees. Coptotermes acinaciformis are known for being the most destructive species of Australian termites. This group will attack all types of wood, causing extensive property damage. This species gets, when threatened, develops formic acid in its mouth, which can present a threat to wiring inside a building. Nests of this termite are found in tree stumps, underground timber, or other areas of moist darkness.

Coptotermes frenchi are found mainly in NSW and the ACT but their presence can extend throughout the eastern coast. A very damaging breed of termite, the frenchi love to attack home frames made of pine or oregon softwood, and will often go after damp woods found around a property. Like the acinaciformis, coptotermes frenchi cluster in urban areas and cause major damage.
Schedorhinotermes

Nesting under houses, patios, and even fireplaces, schedorhinotermes intermedius are a subterranean termite variety capable of having huge colonies and multiple nests. You’ll find schedorhinotermes in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland. Because of their massive colony sizes, this makes schedorhinotermes a high damage threat to timber in or around your home. As these termites ingest wood, they leave behind complicated grooves and patterns in the timber. Nearly as destructive as coptotermes acinaciformis, schedorhinotermes’ generate damage that is often more patchy and distinctive.

Nasutitermes

Damp and decaying wood is the favourite delicacy of Nasutitermes Walkeri, a breed of termite found along Queensland’s coast and in New South Wales. Nasutitermes walkeri constructs its subteranneal colonial nest near a site of decay or fire damage on a tree stump. Eventually, as the colony grows, the “tree termite”, as they’re often called, will extend and connect upwards, building a nest amidst the tree branches. You’ll find this variety of termite damaging fences, decking, and timbers found in poorly ventilated, damp areas. While not as destructive as other types of termite, nasutitermes walkeri will attack wood that is in contact with the ground.
Mastotermes

The oldest termite variety, Mastotermes Darwiniensis, the Giant Northern Termite, is the most populous Australian termite species. Mainly found in the Northern Territory and the northern regions of Western Australia and Queensland, mastotermes darwiniensis causes a great deal of damage to homes and other structures every year.
This species maintains underground nests which can spread very far and be plentiful in number. Not only do mastotermes darwiniensis consume timber, but will cause extensive destruction to plants, crops, and even plastic, metal, or glass.

Ready to tackle your termite problem? Contact our reliable and experienced team at Termite Solutions today to rid your home of these unwanted guests.