TERMITE SPECIES
Out of the 258 described termite species in Australia, only a few timber-damaging termite species are of major concern to us. The five families that include the most common pest termite species are:
- Mastotermitidae (1 pest termite species - Giant Termite, Mastrotermes darwinensis)
- Kalotermitidae (several pest species of 'dry-wood termites', including the introduced Cryptotermes brevis)
- Termopsidae (1 pest termite species - Dampwood termite, Porotermes adamsoni)
- Rhinotermitidae (7 pest termite species, including Coptotermes acinaciformes)
- Termitidae (5 pest termite species, including Nasutitermes walkeri)
The Giant Termite (Mastotermes darwinensis) has the greatest potential for destruction. However, the Giant Termite is limited to the tropical areas of northern Australia. The giant termite attacks any wood in contact with the ground including shrubs and trees, as well as paper, leather, clothing and other materials.
West Indian Dry-wood Termite
The introduced West Indian Dry-wood Termite (Cryptotermes brevis) is considered to be the world's worst termite pest as it can eat even very small timber objects with few external signs of damage. If it is found, this termite should be reported to the relevant government authority. It has been found in Brisbane and Sydney, as well as other areas on several occasions.
Most Destructive Species of Termite
However the most destructive species overall in Australia is Coptotermes acinaciformes termite. It is distributed throughout the continent and uses tree stumps, living trees, spaces under buildings and even walls as nesting sites.
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