Termites are a major problem not only in Australia but throughout the world. They pose a significant risk to our buildings, both residential and commercial. In the 1990s, soil barrier chemicals were banned, putting more homes in danger of termite infestation.
There are around 350 kinds of termites in Australia, including native and introduced species, with about 40 being particularly damaging and invasive. It’s hard to put a number on the trillions of termites that call Australia home. With the queen having a lifespan of up to 50 years and worker lifespans of up to six, a single colony can have a population of over a million. Each year, a single termite colony can produce up to 60,000 alates, which are winged termites that mate and start new colonies.
To know some favourite termite areas in Australia, read on.
Areas In Australia That Are At Risk Of Termite Damage
Areas in Australia that are at risk of termite damage include coastal regions, as well as areas with a high amount of moisture and warm temperatures. Termites are also known to be more active in areas with a high amount of wood or wood debris, such as wooded or forested areas. Additionally, areas with a history of termite infestations are at a higher risk of future infestations.
These areas include the coastal regions of Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia, as well as the Northern Territory. Inland regions, such as the tropical and subtropical areas of northern Queensland and the Northern Territory, are also at risk due to the warm and moist climate. Urban areas that have a high amount of wood in construction, such as older homes and buildings, are also at risk of termite damage.
1. Coastal Regions Of Queensland
Coastal regions of Queensland, particularly the areas along the eastern coastline, are at a high risk of termite damage due to the warm and moist climate. The coastal strip from the tip of Cape York down to the Tweed river in the south, including places like Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, and the Sunshine Coast are considered high-risk areas. Termites are known to thrive in these areas and can cause significant damage to homes and buildings if left untreated.
2. Coastal Regions Of New South Wales
Coastal regions of New South Wales, particularly the areas along the eastern coastline, are also at a high risk of termite damage due to the warm and moist climate. The coastal strip from the Queensland border down to the Victorian border, including places like Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, and the Central Coast are considered high-risk areas.
Termites are known to thrive in these areas and can cause significant damage to homes and buildings if left untreated. Furthermore, termite species that are native to the region, such as the Eastern Subterranean Termite, are known to be more aggressive and destructive than other species.
3. Coastal Regions Of Western Australia
Coastal regions of Western Australia, particularly the areas along the western coastline, are at a high risk of termite damage due to the warm and moist climate. The coastal strip from the tip of the Dampier Peninsula down to the South Western border, including places like Perth, Broome, and the Kimberley region are considered high-risk areas.
Termites are known to thrive in these areas and can cause significant damage to homes and buildings if left untreated. However, the type of termite species present in Western Australia is known to be less aggressive and destructive when compared to other regions in Australia, like the Eastern Subterranean Termite in New South Wales.
4. Northern Territory
The Northern Territory, particularly the tropical and subtropical regions in the north, are at a high risk of termite damage due to the warm and moist climate. Places like Darwin, Katherine, and the Top End region are considered high-risk areas. Termites are known to thrive in these areas and can cause significant damage to homes and buildings if left untreated. Some of the most common species of termites found in the Northern Territory are the Mastotermes darwiniensis and the Heterotermes ferox, which are known to be highly destructive.
5. Northern Queensland
Northern Queensland, particularly the tropical and subtropical regions, is also at a high risk of termite damage due to the warm and moist climate. Places like Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and the Far North region are considered high-risk areas. Termites are known to thrive in these areas and can cause significant damage to homes and buildings if left untreated. Some of the most common species of termites found in northern Queensland are the Coptotermes acinaciformis and the Schedorhinotermes intermedius, which are known to be highly destructive.
What You Can Do?
There are several ways to exterminate termites:
1. Chemical Treatment:
Chemical treatment is a common method of exterminating termites. It involves applying a liquid or foam pesticide to the soil around the building to create a barrier that termites cannot cross. The pesticide creates a chemical barrier that the termites cannot penetrate and will kill them if they come in contact with it. This method is often used in combination with baiting or physical barriers for maximum effectiveness.
There are a variety of chemical treatments available, including:
- Termiticides: a pesticide specifically designed to kill termites.
- Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs): a chemical that interferes with the termites’ reproductive system, preventing them from reproducing.
- Fipronil: a broad-spectrum insecticide that is toxic to termites.
It is important to note that chemical treatments require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the barrier remains effective and to detect any new termite activity. It is also important to use the products as per the instructions and safety measures provided by the manufacturer or the professional exterminator.
2. Baiting:
Baiting is another method of exterminating termites. It involves installing termite bait stations around the building, which the termites will feed on and then take back to the colony, ultimately killing the colony.
The bait stations contain a cellulose material, such as wood or paper, that is treated with a slow-acting pesticide. The termites feed on the bait and take it back to their colony, where it is consumed by other members, including the queen. The pesticide will then kill the colony over time.
Baiting can be an effective method of eliminating termites, but it can take several months for the colony to be eradicated. It also requires regular monitoring and maintenance of the bait stations to ensure they remain attractive to the termites and to detect any new termite activity.
It is important to note that baiting should be done by a professional exterminator, who will be able to determine the right type of bait and the right placement of bait stations. Additionally, baiting should not be used as a standalone treatment, it should be integrated with other methods like chemical treatment or physical barriers to ensure maximum effectiveness.
3. Physical Barriers:
Physical barriers are another method of exterminating termites. It involves creating a physical barrier, such as metal sheeting, between the soil and the building to prevent termites from entering. This can be done by digging a trench around the building and installing a barrier made of metal, plastic or treated wood.
Physical barriers can be an effective method of preventing termites from entering the building, but they can be difficult to install and maintain. The barrier must be installed correctly to ensure that termites cannot tunnel through or under it. Additionally, regular inspections are needed to ensure that the barrier is still intact and to detect any new termite activity.
Physical barriers can be used in combination with other methods such as chemical treatment or baiting for maximum effectiveness. They can also be used as a preventative measure in new construction to protect the building from future termite infestations.
It is important to note that physical barriers should be installed by a professional exterminator, who will be able to determine the right type of barrier and the right placement of the barrier.
4. Heat Treatment:
Heat treatment is a method of exterminating termites that involves heating the infested area to a high temperature to kill the termites. This method is usually done with specialized equipment such as propane heaters, electric heaters, or hot air blowers. The heat is directed into the infested area, raising the temperature to a level that is lethal to the termites.
Heat treatment can be an effective method of eliminating termites, as it can reach all areas of the infestation, including hard-to-reach spaces. It also has the advantage of being a non-toxic method, making it safe for people, pets and the environment.
However, heat treatment can be expensive and may not be suitable for all types of buildings. Additionally, the equipment required for heat treatment can be large and difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. It is also important to note that heat treatment should only be done by a professional exterminator who has the experience and equipment to do it safely.
It is important to note that heat treatment should not be used as a standalone treatment, it should be integrated with other methods such as chemical treatment or physical barriers to ensure maximum effectiveness.
5. Fumigation:
Fumigation is a method of exterminating termites that involves sealing the building and releasing a gas that is toxic to termites. This method is usually done with a gas called sulfuryl fluoride, which is a fumigant that penetrates all areas of the building, including hard-to-reach spaces.
Fumigation can be an effective method of eliminating termites, as it can reach all areas of the infestation. However, it can be expensive and may not be suitable for all types of buildings. Additionally, fumigation requires the building to be sealed, and the occupants and pets to be evacuated during the process, which can be disruptive. It is also important to note that fumigation should only be done by a professional exterminator who has the experience and equipment to do it safely.
It is important to note that fumigation is a highly toxic process and should be used as a last resort when other methods have been exhausted. Additionally, it should be done by licensed professional exterminators and it should be done per the regulations of the country or state where the building is located.
It is important to note that it is best to hire a professional exterminator to carry out the extermination process because they have the experience and knowledge necessary to ensure the safe and effective elimination of termites.
Conclusion
In conclusion, termites are a common problem in many areas of Australia, particularly in coastal regions and areas with a high amount of moisture and warm temperatures. Several methods can be used to exterminate termites, including chemical treatment, baiting, physical barriers, heat treatment, and fumigation. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to consult a professional exterminator to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. You might want to check some professionals here at termite zone map victoria.
It is important to note that termite extermination is a process that requires regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that the termites are eliminated and to detect any new infestations. Additionally, it is important to follow the instructions and safety measures provided by the manufacturer or the professional exterminator. Also, it’s important to consider using multiple methods for maximum effectiveness and to prevent future infestations.