Termites

The Subterranean Termite will have colonies in the ground, building vertical tunnels that look like mud tubes above ground level so that they can search for food.Subterranean termites can form tunnels through cracks in concrete, so slab homes are not exempt from infestation. Subterranean termites will die if exposed to air for an extended period of time; tunnels are used for transporting the food to the nest and protecting themselves.They need to stay in contact with the soil in order to survive as opposed to any other kind of ant.



Termite nest . This nest was located in a backyard of a house that was badly infested. Note the large holes in the nest are where i have just injected termiticide into it .







SIGNS OF INFESTATION MAY INCLUDE:
1. Mud like tunnels, usually vertical, among the foundation of the interior or exterior walls. 2. Termite wings. 3. "Swarmers" or flying termites appearing in the house,particulary near light sources in the Spring.








Termite Workings on timber in a roof void







SUBTERRANEAN TERMITE APPEARANCE
1. Worker: wingless,light colored,1/8 inch long 2. Soldier: the head is elongated with mandibles. 3. Supplementary Reproductives: light colored with no wings or very short 4. Primary Reproductives:most often seen,winged, and darker than the other three castes These are also called "swarmers" or flying ants.

Do I have termites? or Do I have ants? This can be a very troublesome question. Some of the winged ants can resemble the winged termite. Here are some ways to identify the difference between the winged reproductives. 1. Ants appear distinctly segmented, because of their "hour-glass" appearance. Termites have a cigar-shaped appearance. Termite wings are twice as long as the body. 2.Ants have "elbowed" antenna. Termites are straight. 3. While both species have four wings, the termite wings are all the same size and the ant wings have noticeably larger wings in the front as compared to the hind pair.



Termites attack the roof of this building from behind metal sheeting in the wall cavity.




THE RULES
The Building code of Australia stipulates that all new buildings require some form of protection from termite entry.

BARRIER TREATMENT OF NEW BUILDINGS -
An approved termiticide, currently chlorpyrifos or bifenthrin, is applied to the sand pad and covered with a waterproof membrane. When the construction is eventually completed, an external barrier must be established in the soil immediately surrounding the perimeter of the building. This secondary treatment is considered essential to protect the footings of the building from subterranean attack. Applied correctly, these chemicals should remain effective for many years. However, re-treatment at some future stage will almost certainly be required. The period of protection can vary considerably from site to site and with each chemical.

BARRIER TREATMENT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS -
Chlorpyrifos, bifenthrin or imidacloprid is injected into the soil around the footings and / or the base of the stumps or pillars, or pored into a trench around each, and then backfilled. Similar treatment around the perimeter of a building may also be required. If applied to the sub floor area of a building, these chemicals may leave after smells. As with new homes re treatment periods and length of protection can vary. For the Perth Metro area Chlorpyrifos should be re applied within 5 yrs. Birenthrin within 6yrs and Imidacloprid within 2-3yrs.




Termites attack roof timbers, note the mud workings on this badly infested roof.




INSPECTIONS -
The Australian Standard for Termite control, AS3660-1993, recommends that regular inspection be carried out at least annually