PEST
 
   NAME
     Termites (General)
     Various Species
 
   ORDER
     Isoptera
 
   FAMILY
     Various

 Description of the Pest
There are many species of termite found throughout the world particularly in the tropical regions. There are three species that are a pest of living trees. The Subterranean termite (Coptotermes species), Dampwood termites (Porotermes species) and the Drywood termites (Cryptotermes species) all have a highly developed social structure that includes a king, queen, workers and soldiers. 

Adult males and females are winged up to 14mm long and the workers are small, 5mm long, wingless with creamy white bodies, commonly known as’ White Ants’. Although they are referred to as white ants there body is not constricted between the thorax and abdomen as in true ants and are totally unrelated.
 
The workers have well developed mandibles for chewing. They are also blind and consist of about 80% of the colonies numbers. Soldiers are also blind, sterile and have very large jaws to protect the colony from invaders.  There numbers consist of 3% of the colony and commonly have a pointed dark head. 

The Subterranean Termite (Coptotermes lacteus) and (Coptotermes brunneus) which is only found in Western Australia are the most destructive. They form colonies normally under ground or in trees with subterranean tunnels that radiate out up to 50m from the nest, feeding only on dead wood such as posts, fallen branches or roots. This mound forming insect requires constant moisture that is collects from the soil and the tunnels average 200mm below the soil surface. 

Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
Termites are found throughout the world from tropical to temperate regions. The adult insects are winged, flying to other areas to form new colonies during late spring. Termites are commonly undetected as they feed on the inside of tree trunks or form shelter tubes on vertical faces.

   Shelter Tubes

Life Cycle
These insects have a Hemimetabolous life cycle, ie. When the immature nymphs resemble the adults.
Termites have several nymphal stages and adults. Both nymphs and adults have chewing mouth parts.
Male and female fly to a new site in late spring, where there membranous wings fall away from the body. They then mate and produce a small number of eggs, about thirty. After the eggs hatch the female develops into the egg laying queen and both nymphs and soldiers tend her requirements. 
In time the nest develops and can become large very large, such as an earthen mound up to 7m tall. The termites avoid light and remain within the galleries they have constructed, protected from environmental extremes such as temperature or humidity.

    Soldiers

Period of Activity
They are most active during the warmer months of the year.

Damage Caused
The termites form galleries that honeycombing the interior of the host. In the case of trees, branches become structurally weak and break off after the termites enter through the roots or bark. They then eat there way through the heartwood up into the branches. Certain species of termite can also ringbark young trees, and large trees that are infected with termites eventually die. Other species attack fence posts or buildings causing extensive damage.

Susceptible Plants
A wide range of living or dead trees, shrubs and vines are attacked. Non living structures such as fences, buildings or dead trees are also eaten. Many Eucalyptus species when under stress are infected.

Dendranthema species roots are attacked by termites causing the plant to wilt.

Psidium species (Guava) are attacked by the Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flaviceps).

Cultural Control
It is very difficult to control termites and preventative measures are essential. Such as the removal of dead or dieing trees including the roots. All possible food sources should be burnt or removed off site. Nests may also be destroyed when found. have soft fleshy bodies that are easily damaged.

Biological Control
Termites are most vulnerable when in flight where they are attacked by birds, lizards ants or adverse climatic conditions. Animals such as echidnas or bandicoots destroy forage lines or entire nests, seeking there soft fleshy bodies.

Chemical Control
It is important to identify the particular species of termite before applying chemicals as this may vary. A trained pest controller should be contacted in order to carry out the best possible method of control.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.