How many termite species are there in Australia?

Of around three hundred species of termite in Australia, only about twenty are of economic importance in there own regions.

There are 3 main groups of structural timber destroying termites in Australia:

Subterranean, Drywood, & Dampwood termites

Dampwood termites belong to the family Kalotermitidae. These termites live inside the wood they eat and are rarely encountered in domestic homes.

Subterranean termites (families Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae) are much more common in urban areas, usually live in the soil & randomly forage for wood to eat.

If termites are a problem for you, then we are your solution! We will rid your home or business these timber destroying pests that are causing you problems. Guaranteed!

If white-ants (its a misnomer, they are the same as termites) are a problem for you, please call us without delay on 0417 251 911, or send us a message for a free quote and advice about Pest Control Sydney& Metropolitan area in NSW

Picture of Mastotermes darwiniensis Termites

The Mastotermes darwiniensis termites are subterranean, occurring north of the Tropic of Capricorn. It has the common names of Giant Northern Termite & Darwin Termite. Length of body is from 11.5mm to 13.0mm, Tarsi has 5 segments and the Pronotum is large and saddle-shaped.

It is a termite species that is found only in northern Australia. It is the most primitive termite alive and it shows similarities to cockroaches, which are the termites’ closest relatives. They both do laying of eggs in bunches, rather than singly. It is the only living member of its genus Mastotermes and its family Mastotermitidae. Their wings have the same design as those of the cockroaches, and its eggs are laid in a case like cockroach eggs.

Populations can be enormous, numbering in the millions, quickly destroying untreated homes. Its diet is varied, almost anything organic, causing damage to leather, hide, plastic, bagged salt, & flour. Even bitumen, glass, rubber tyres off a tractor and metals have been attacked! Workings are enormous, hiding their activity beneath earthen materials. They will also ringbark & kill living trees & is known to damage crops like sugarcane. The nymphs are known as the caste that causes the most damage.