Getting To Know Termites
The Life Cycle of a Termite…
1. Eggs
2. Nymphs
3. Worker, Soldier, Developing Winged Form
4. Winged Reproductive (“alates”)
5. Male & Female Wings Shed
6. King & Queen
Termites are an ancient order of insects whose origins date back more than 100 million years to the Cretaceous period. Although they are commonly called ‘white ants’, the resemblance to ants is superficial and they are more closely related to cockroaches and in fact have been recently included into the cockroach order Blattodea.
Termites can be grouped into three basic categories: damp wood, drywood and subterranean. Dampwood termites generally live in damp rotting logs or rot pockets in dead or living trees. Drywood termites obtain water from the wood in which they live and have no contact with the soil, or with any other source of moisture. Subterranean termites are generally ground-dwelling or require contact with the soil or some constant source of moisture and are the main threat posed to timber in the built environment (timber-in-service).
Termites play a prominent part in the recycling of plant nutrients through the disintegration and decomposition of dead wood and plant debris. Their excavations alter the structure of trees and provide spaces which have become a necessary part of the habitat of many vertebrate species including bats, birds, reptiles and arboreal mammals. Many species of termite feed on materials such as grass. Only a handful are of economic importance to timber-in-service.
1. The Termite Colony
Termites are social insects, working and living together in groups (colonies). Each colony contains several types (castes) which differ in body shape and behaviour, and each caste is specialised to perform different tasks. Three principal castes are recognised: workers, soldiers and reproductives (the primary king and queen and sometimes supplementary reproductives).
Figure 1 The subterranean termite Schedorhinotermes sp. Soldier on right with worker on left
The worker caste dominates the colony numerically and is wingless, sterile and blind. The workers are aptly named because they build the nest and galleries, tend to the eggs and young, gather food, and feed other castes incapable of feeding themselves. Older workers may predominate in activities outside the nest. The primitive termite family (Mastotermitidae) lacks a worker caste. Instead, the tasks of workers are performed by a ‘worker-like caste’ (pseudergates), which may develop into other castes.
The soldier caste is the most distinctive and easiest from which to identify the species. The soldiers are distinguished from other castes by their heads which are heavily armoured and coloured. Like the workers they are wingless, sterile and blind. Because their mandibles are so modified or specialised, soldiers must be fed by the workers. The primary function of the soldiers is to defend the colony against predators such as ants.
The alate caste, the potential kings and queens of new colonies, possesses eyes, functional reproductive systems and wings. They usually swarm (leave the colony) in spring to early summer or late summer to early autumn, often through specially constructed exits. They normally swarm at dusk and may be attracted to lights at night. Alates do not fly strongly and, unless assisted by winds, their dispersal is limited.
Following swarming, alates shed their wings and each mated pair seeks out a suitable place to establish a new colony. The king alters little in shape, but the queen’s abdomen may become enormously distended with eggs until she is little more than a large, immobile egg laying machine. Some subterranean termite queens are capable of producing 2000 eggs per day. Mature termite colonies may number up to two million individuals and exist for as long as 50 years.
2. Termite Nests
Termites build various types of nest. Some termites have a completely underground existence, apparently without a central nest. Examples include some species of Amitermes. Others build a central nest in the soil, or in dead or living trees. Many economically-important termites build nests of this type, notably Mastotermes darwiniensis and species of Coptotermes and Schedorhinotermes. Still, other species, for example in the genera Microcerotermes (Figure 2) and Nasutitermes (Figure 3), attach their nest to a tree but maintain a soil connection via galleries running down the surface of the trunk. A termite mound is the most familiar form of termite nest.
Mounds are often of very distinctive form, and their size and shape vary from hardened, flat areas to the tall, columnar structures of the spinifex termite Nasutitermes triodiae in northern Australia, which may be more than 7m high (Figure 4). Typically, each species builds a characteristic mound, although there may be geographical variation in the size and shape of the mound within species. In the mounds of Coptotermes (Figure 5) the outer wall is hard and built of soil and the inner region is generally composed of woody faecal material (carton) and soil.
3. Feeding Habits And Behaviour Of Termites
Cellulose, found in plants, is the basic food requirement of all termites and, in turn, all types of plant material can be damaged by termites. Most termite species eat grass and other surface vegetation and have an important role in maintaining soil fertility. They recycle nutrients, in particular nitrogen which is essential for healthy plant growth. When termite mounds erode, the soil particles rich in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and potassium are washed into the soil from the mound to become available for plant growth. Termite galleries improve soil structure, and assist water entry and storage in soil; surface rainwater runoff and subsequent soil erosion are thereby reduced by the galleries.
Other termite species infest timber and particularly timber which is in an early state of decay by wood rotting fungi.
- Figure 2 Arboreal nest of Microcerotermes
- Figure 3 Arboreal nest of Nasutitermes
- Figure 4 Tall, columnar structures of the spinifex termite Nasutitermes triodiae in northern Australia
- Figure 5 Coptotermes acinaciformis constructs a mound north of the Tropic of Capricorn
Some species of timber are resistant to termites, but none is entirely ‘termite proof’. Termites will often damage materials they cannot digest, for example, plastics, rubber, metal or mortar. Primarily, this damage occurs when the indigestible items are encountered during the termites search for food.
Some termites forage for food by means of subterranean galleries or covered runways, which extend from the central nest to food sources above or below ground. The gallery system of a single colony may be used to exploit food sources over as much as one hectare, with individual galleries extending up to 50m in length for most species. In the case of the giant northern termite M. darwiniensis, individual galleries may extend as far as 100–200m. Apart from grass-eating species, which forage in the open; all termites remain within a closed system of galleries, devoid of light. The only exceptions are during a swarming flight, or when repair or new construction is occurring. The advantages to the termites of this closed system are twofold. They are protected from natural enemies such as ants, and they gain a measure of protection from temperature and humidity extremes. Termites have a thin external covering and have relatively little resistance to drying out.
4. Natural Enemies Of Termites
The most important natural enemies of termites are predators of various kinds, especially ants. Winged reproductives emerging on their colonising flight are eaten in large numbers by lizards, snakes, frogs, insectivorous and omnivorous birds, ants and other predatory insects, especially dragonflies. Workers and soldiers of a wide range of species form an important part of the diet of the echidna, which has strong, long-clawed feet with which it damages mounds and subterranean galleries.
5. Distribution
Although the coastal belt and northern parts of the country are generally regarded as high hazard areas for subterranean termite infestation, species which damage timber-in-service occur throughout mainland Australia. In practice, any structure containing wood is exposed to possible subterranean termite infestation whether in the business heart of a city, in the suburbs or out in the country, unless protective measures are taken.
Info supplied by Termidor
Contact Silk’s Pest Control Brisbane Today for a FREE QUOTE
I Highly Recommend The Silks Pest Control Team
Adam took the time to explain to me as part of his inspection follow up, the potential issues relating to our house from termites in a practical and clear manner. The report provided after the inspection was clear and direct which will allow me to follow up key points in the future. I highly recommend the Silks Pest Control Team as a potential long term partners in the prevention , detection and treatment on termite… Read More “I Highly Recommend The Silks Pest Control Team”
Thank You Adam And Nikki And Your Professional And Efficient Service
Thank You Adam and Nikki and your professional and efficient service. Adam took the time to explain the termite treatment process and discovered old termite activity in my home. His suggested solutions were thorough and cost… Read More “Thank You Adam And Nikki And Your Professional And Efficient Service”
Excellent Communication And Service
Excellent communication and service and suggestions. Would highly… Read More “Excellent Communication And Service”
His Experience Is Second To None
Adam was great to deal with. He was very open with assisting us with the purchase of our first home. The report was thorough and provided in a timely manner. His experience is second to none and we would recommend him to… Read More “His Experience Is Second To None”
Adam Was Very Professional, Thorough & Gave Us Great Advice
We had a great experience with Silks. Adam was very professional, thorough and gave us great advice in relation to our home. We chose Silk’s as they were highly recommended in our local area FB Group and I can see why. We will definatley be return… Read More “Adam Was Very Professional, Thorough & Gave Us Great Advice”
The Whole Experience Was Easy & Done With A Great Level Of Service & Expertise
From the booking through Nikki to the inspection itself with Adam – the whole experience was easy and done with a great level of service and expertise. A very detailed and thorough inspection with an accompanying report including recommendations for potential pest control measures we take at home to minimise future issues. No issues recommending the… Read More “The Whole Experience Was Easy & Done With A Great Level Of Service & Expertise”
Would Highly Recommend
Excellent service. Communication spot on. Reliable and on time. Professional advice and service given. Would highly… Read More “Would Highly Recommend”
Adam Treats Our Home With Respect & Provides Honest Opinions
I think very highly of the Silk’s Pest Control Team and have been using their services for over a year, they have outstanding communication, are responsive and very friendly. Adam treats our home with respect and provides honest opinions on the services required. Adam is very considerate of children and pet animals within the home. I would highly recommend them for your pest… Read More “Adam Treats Our Home With Respect & Provides Honest Opinions”
I Am Very Happy With The Service
I have been using Silk’s for a few years now and I am very happy with the service. Adam is very good and professional and explains any issues and potential problems very competently. Also Nikki does a great job with scheduling… Read More “I Am Very Happy With The Service”
Adam Always Takes The Time To Explain What He Is Doing And Offer Advice
Adam & Nikki are always so pleasant and easy to deal with. Silks have been looking after my property for several years including the installation of a termite barrier. Adam always take the time to explain what he is doing and offer advice. I have no hesitation in recommending Silks to anyone who is looking for a pest control… Read More “Adam Always Takes The Time To Explain What He Is Doing And Offer Advice”
Highly Recommend Silk’s Pest Control
Excellent experience with Adam today. Highly recommend Silk’s Pest Control. Great communication from first contact to completion of… Read More “Highly Recommend Silk’s Pest Control”
Very Professional Service
Very professional service. Adam phoned ahead to arrange an earlier time and explained all actions thoroughly. He talked through the process and provided recommendations based on evidence. Where further work was suggested he was able to put us in contact with a tradesman who could support the work. The prepared report arrived promptly and was clear and… Read More “Very Professional Service”
Very Professional & Thorough
Fantastic. We have been using their services for many years now. Adam and Nikki are very professional and thorough. Adam is extremely knowledgeable and happy to explain everything he is doing and why. I highly recommend Silks Pest… Read More “Very Professional & Thorough”
Very Knowledgeable And Great To Deal With
Adam was on time very knowledgeable and great to deal with. Will use him again next… Read More “Very Knowledgeable And Great To Deal With”
Professionalism, Efficiency & Researched Knowledge Base
I contacted Silk’s because my Son in Law has had a working relationship with Adam and Nicky for a few years now & has always spoken highly of his Professionalism, efficiency & researched knowledge base I have been given a thorough report on how to protect my property from termite & bug infestation and am now in a position where I can make an informed decision on how to achieve that Am looking forward to continued connection with… Read More “Professionalism, Efficiency & Researched Knowledge Base”
He Is Very Genuine And Takes Great Pride In The Quality Of His Work
Adam was brilliant! Very professional and courteous. Hi is highly knowledgeable and explains issues to you in a very simple way. He is very genuine and takes great pride in the quality of his work and recommendations provided. – Matt B – Stafford (via Google… Read More “He Is Very Genuine And Takes Great Pride In The Quality Of His Work”
Great, Responsive And Friendly Service
Great, responsive and friendly service – have been using Adam and the team for years – James K – Westlake (via Google… Read More “Great, Responsive And Friendly Service”
Would Highly Recommend Them To Do Your Place!
Adam & Nicky were fantastic with their pest control. Very knowledgeable & explained some best practices to limit any further issues with pests. Would highly recommend them to do your place! – Justin L – Camp Hill (via Google… Read More “Would Highly Recommend Them To Do Your Place!”
He Is Always Upfront And Honest
I have been using Silk’s Pest Control for many years and have been very happy with Adam’s professional service, he is always upfront and honest and does a great job – Sylvia D – Carina (via Direct… Read More “He Is Always Upfront And Honest”
He Was Very Informative
I had Adam come and do a general pest control and a termite inspection. He was very informative, gave me all the available information and options. I would recommend Silks to others – Paulina Z – Rochedale South (via Google… Read More “He Was Very Informative”
The Service Was Very Good
The service was very good. Thanks Adam – Richard B – The Gap (via Google… Read More “The Service Was Very Good”
Extremely Professional, Very Thorough and Good Value
I always find Adam to be extremely professional, very thorough and good value for money – Chris C – The Gap (via Google… Read More “Extremely Professional, Very Thorough and Good Value”
Gave Lots Of Good Advice And Didn’t Try To Onsell Additional Services
Very professional, gave lots of good advice and didn’t try to onsell additional services. Recommended for anyone concerned about termite risk or general pests – Trudi B – Sheldon (via Google… Read More “Gave Lots Of Good Advice And Didn’t Try To Onsell Additional Services”
Prompt, Reliable & Friendly Service and Advice
Prompt, reliable and friendly service and advice….Can’t go wrong… Percy C – Acacia Ridge (Facebook… Read More “Prompt, Reliable & Friendly Service and Advice”
Adam Was Very Knowledgeable, Experienced & Professional
5 STARS – Adam Silk of Silk’s Pest Control provided a very thorough termite and timber pest inspection with written report, as well as an internal pest control spray service at my house. Adam was very knowledgeable, experienced and professional. He inspected every part of the house in detail (including using a thermal imaging camera) and took the time to explain any important findings to me. His recommended termite management system was tailored to my needs and circumstances, and took into account other existing issues with my property which he recommended that I engage builders, plumbers and landscapers to fix before installing the terminate management system in order to maximize its effectiveness. He also advised me on how to prepare for the pest control spray treatment beforehand to get the best results (e.g. moving furniture away from walls) and how to maintain the effectiveness of the treatment once completed. Overall… Read More “Adam Was Very Knowledgeable, Experienced & Professional”
I Found Adam To Be VERY Professional
5 STARS – I found Adam to be very professional, he was happy to help me sort out the issues that I had with another Pest Control company – Michele D – Cleveland (Direct… Read More “I Found Adam To Be VERY Professional”
GREAT Advice, Very Helpful
5 STARS – Great Advice, Very Helpful. Quick and Effective… Read More “GREAT Advice, Very Helpful”
Prompt, On Time & INFORMATIVE
5 STARS – Availability of service great, prompt, on time and… Read More “Prompt, On Time & INFORMATIVE”
METICULOUS Inspection and Knowledgeable Advice
5 STARS – Silks Pest Control have been very pleasant to deal with. From their friendly and efficient phone manner to the meticulous inspection and knowledgeable advice. The report was promptly sent electronically and presented in a reader-friendly format. I have no hesitation in recommending Silk Pest Control for their professional service… Read More “METICULOUS Inspection and Knowledgeable Advice”
A PLEASURE To Deal With
5 STARS – Adam from Silks Pest Control is a pleasure to deal with. Adam is very professional and seeks to give you the best outcome possible. I will be using Silks from here on in and rate them… Read More “A PLEASURE To Deal With”
The Pre-Sale Report was EXCELLENT
5 STARS – Adam provided a very thorough and professional inspection at the agreed time. The Pre-Sale Report was excellent. We will use Silk’s Pest Control for our next pre-purchase… Read More “The Pre-Sale Report was EXCELLENT”
We Have Always Been MORE Than Satisfied
5 STARS – Our company have used Silks Pest Control for many years and have always been more than satisfied. They are very reliable and professional. They always work in with our times to do the… Read More “We Have Always Been MORE Than Satisfied”
A Great Job Was Carried Out With A Thorough & Informative Report
5 STARS – As we are selling our rental property our property manager organised for Adam from Silk’s Pest control to come out and do an inspection in regards to some termite damage that was found. A great job was carried out with a thorough and informative report received the same day. Adam also phoned ourselves and took the time to explain the report and what was found so everything was easy to understand of what had been done and along with this he was able to offer solutions to suit our needs. Thanks Adam and… Read More “A Great Job Was Carried Out With A Thorough & Informative Report”
Excellent!
5 STARS – “Excellent! – Adam took the time to explain the process of how he was tracing the source of the termites. My property was treated and could not be happier”… Read More “Excellent!”
Silk’s Went Far & Above The Expected Level Of Service,
5 STAR RATING – I have now recommended Silk’s to several friends and colleagues. Adam went far and above the expected level of service, was reliable, informative and professional. I would not go anywhere else… Read More “Silk’s Went Far & Above The Expected Level Of Service,”
Knowledgeable, Professional & Friendly Service
5 STAR RATING – Adam and Team provides knowledgeable, professional, friendly, personal information on time every time and is a pleasure dealing with and all our 22 owners have no concerns or pests since Silks have serviced our New Farm Unit… Read More “Knowledgeable, Professional & Friendly Service”
Overall We Are Very HAPPY With The Service We Get From Silks Every Year
5 STAR RATING – Silks have been looking after our home in East Brisbane for the past 5 years. We had them install a termite barrier around the home shortly after we purchased it in January 2012, and we have Adam come out every year to inspect for termites. What we love about Silks is that they send us a reminder when we are due for the inspection, so we dont have to worry about keeping track of it, we just get the reminder and book it straight in. I’ve found Adam to be very switched on and he is very thorough at what he does. Overall we are very happy with the service we get from Silks every year and will continue to use them for years to… Read More “Overall We Are Very HAPPY With The Service We Get From Silks Every Year”
We Were So WORRIED When We Found Termites
5 STAR RATING – We recently had Adam from Silks Pest Control come out to our home in Holland Park. I had found termites when I was vaccuming and had hit the skirting board with the vacuum – the skirting board literally caved in! And then we saw the termites running around in there and started to panic! I asked our Neighbour who she had recently used for her Termite problems and she highly recommended Adam from Silks. So we gave him a call that morning, and he was just so helpful and calming over the phone. He came out that afternoon, performed the inspection, and found 4 other spots where the termites were. He treated all of those areas, then came back a few weeks later to make sure the treatment had worked. He also explained that we had no barrier in place to prevent termite attacks and provided… Read More “We Were So WORRIED When We Found Termites”
Very THOROUGH and Very Personable
5 STAR RATING – I recently booked Adam from Silks for a pest treatment service in my unit and found him to be very thorough and very personable. He even gave me great advice on how to ensure my pest treatment would last as long as possible. I will definately be getting my pest treatment done again next year and will certainly be recommending him to my friends, neighbouring unit owners and family. Thank you again… Read More “Very THOROUGH and Very Personable”
10/10 For Their BRILLIANT Customer Service
5 STAR RATING – I found Silk’s Pest Control to provide outstanding service. Adam talked me through the entire process and the chemicals used prior to him starting the job. He was very thorough and did a great job. I would recommend Silk’s to anyone looking for either general pest control or for termite eradication. Nikki and Adam both get 10/10 for their brilliant customer service. Well done Silk’s! I will definately be using you every year for my pest… Read More “10/10 For Their BRILLIANT Customer Service”
Silk’s Pest Control Offers AMAZING Service & Quality Workmanship
5 STAR RATING – As a Property Manager, I have found that Silk’s Pest Control offers amazing service, quality workmanship and competitive prices. Adam has no hesitation if offering cost effective alternatives for our Landlords to suit each property’s specific needs. I would have no hesitation in recommending them as the service is… Read More “Silk’s Pest Control Offers AMAZING Service & Quality Workmanship”
