Subterranean termites are social insects which live in large underground colonies and follow a caste system. They are typically a creamy brown colour and play an important role in nature, converting wood and other plant materials into nutrient-rich organic matter. A colony consists of workers, soldiers, reproductives, a termite queen and a termite king. All contribute a specific function in maintaining the health of the colony. A fun fact is that termite soldiers are known to bite humans if their colony is disturbed. Subterranean termites are found throughout the whole of Australia but are most active above the Tropic of Capricorn. Due to their sensitivity to light and moisture, they live their entire lives underground. Termite colonies can conceal their nests in wood stumps, under the ground or within a structure. Subterranean termites will venture up to 500 meters away from their nest to find their primary food source, cellulose, which is found in living and dead wood. During their search for food, they can damage non digestible materials such as plastic and mortar. ​​ ​ Biology ​ Subterranean termites are usually 0.7mm to 1cm in length with a structure made up of a head, thorax and abdomen. Often mistakenly referred to as “white ants,". Please! They are not White Ants! ​ Fun fact; Cockroaches evolved from Termites about 320 million years ago during the Carboniferous period, long before dinosaurs. Subterranean termite colonies follow a caste system that allows them to divide up labour. Termite workers are responsible for foraging and building tunnels. Soldiers are responsible for defending the colony and reproductives are responsible for establishing new colonies, mating and laying eggs.   ​ What you can do to limit termite infestation?  ​ Schedule regular termite inspections with a licensed pest control company. We recommend having an inspection at twice once a year. Have a termite monitoring/baiting system installed on your property that is regularly monitored for activity. Clear any obstacles or debris from the building perimeter to enable ongoing visual inspection of the “visual inspection zone”, which is a gap between the termite barrier and any substrate. Remove garden mulch from the building perimeter and relocate flower and garden beds away from house walls. Where possible, remove any potential termite food sources from your property, such as scrap timber, timber sleepers, wooden garden stakes, etc. Reduce access to easy water sources by fixing leaking tapes, excess condensation from air conditioners, hot water system overflow discharge, etc. - Ensure water from your reticulation system is directed away from your home. - Remove all wood, tiles, bricks, etc. stacked against external walls to help prevent concealed termite entry. Think your property has termites? Schedule a termite inspection today.