Ongoing Pest Control for Termites in Canberra
Termites are the bane of many property owners in Canberra. A large colony of these innocuous-looking insects can destroy the structural integrity of a home or building within 3-6 months. That’s why it’s imperative to have an annual termite inspection in Canberra.
Canberra Pest Control Group is licensed to provide both termite inspection and termite treatment services in Canberra. Our experienced pest controllers have access to the latest detection technologies and government-approved termiticides in Canberra, as well as a termite detection dog.
Signs of a termite infestation
A large termite colony can have up to 2 million members, and is likely to be situated in the root crown of a eucalyptus tree (even if it’s eating your property). That’s why it’s important not to plant eucalypts too close to a house. As a property owner, you should be on the lookout for the following signs when it comes to termites in Canberra:
- Tiny dimples / holes on walls and woodwork – if you see a lot of these in the same area, organise a termite inspection with a Canberra pest controller immediately.
- Mud tubes – these thin, hollow tubes serve as conduits for termite travel.
- Strange noises from behind the walls – termites make “tapping” and rustling sounds when they’re busy at work.
- Discarded wings – termite “swarmers” tend to discard their wings in common piles (termites are eusocial – meaning they cooperate extensively with one another).
- Excessive cracking or warping in paintwork.
- Hollow-sounding or crunchy / flaky timber – this symptom applies to both walls and floors.
Interestingly, subterranean termites (the ones that cause problems in Canberra) don’t generally leave frass (poop) behind. It’s the drywood termites – found in more humid parts of Australia – that leave piles of frass behind.
Problematic termites found in Canberra
There are over 30 termite species in Canberra; however, two of them (Coptotermes frenchi and Nasutitermes exitiosus) do most of the damage. As local pest controllers in Canberra, we’re very familiar with both culprits.
Coptotermes frenchi
Coptotermes frenchi (C. frenchi for short) is a subterranean termite that’s light brown in colour and around 4mm in length. C. frenchi has a pear-shaped head and is relatively shy (except when it comes to sourcing cellulose). The C. frenchi worker is a blind, wingless and sterile termite that’s capable of working 24 hours a day (unfortunately). When disturbed, C. frenchi termites tend to scatter quickly, before returning to the scene of the crime.
Nasutitermes exitiosus
Nasutitermes exitiosus is a subterranean termite that’s slightly darker in colour than C. frenchi, yet similar in size. Nasutitermes exitiosus is sometimes called the “snout” termite, as its mandibles are fused together. A colony of Nasutitermes exitiosus termites builds a mound (ranging in height from 30-75 centimetres) at the entrance to its nest. Nasutitermes exitiosus termites generally prefer hardwood timber to pine timber in Canberra.
For more information on our termite inspection and termite treatment services in Canberra, please call the licensed team at Canberra Pest Control Group on 1300 022 122.