The Ideal Environment for Termites

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The Ideal Environment for Termites

There are three main types of termites in Australia, each of which favour different environments.

Subterranean termites tend to live underground, such as beneath concrete slabs or verandahs, but they can nest away from soil if they can find an alternative water source, like water pipes.
Drywood termites live entirely in a single piece of wood, gaining all their food and water from it.
Dampwood termites like to live in rotting wood such as dead trees, with easy access to soil for moisture.

Subterranean termites thrive in damp, enclosed spaces where they can maintain their humid environment, as close to cellulose-rich food sources as possible. Cellulose is found in all plants, and while termites can eat grass and leaves, they favour dead and decaying wood as it gives them both sustenance and moisture.

Where do termites live?

As cold-blooded insects vulnerable to desiccation, termites need reliably warm and wet conditions to survive. Subtropical climates such as the Sunshine Coast have regularly high temperatures and humidity, making them the ideal termite environment for subterranean termites.
Buderim and the surrounding hinterland townships are particularly susceptible to termite infestations due to the area’s leafy surroundings and high buysoma rainfall, which can prematurely weaken chemical barriers against termites, and also force them from their bushland nests towards civilisation.

Reducing the risk of attracting termites

If you live in a Queenslander-style home, ensure any areas underneath your house have adequate ventilation. This helps reduces the moisture held in these areas, thus making them less attractive to termites.
Installing subterranean drains can help reduce natural seepage. This can help keep your property dry, and decrease the risk of a termite colony becoming attached to your yard. Similarly, leaking drains or pipes should be fixed as soon as they are discovered.
Keeping vegetation under control can also help reduce moisture, this means removing any dense scrub that is close to your property.
Make sure your garden is free of cellulose-rich termite ‘foods’. This means removing (or properly storing) large amounts of firewood or wooden building materials.

Suspect you might have termites?

If you live on the Sunshine Coast and have found or suspect termites on your property, get in touch today. We’ll provide you with a detailed report of any termite activity present, as well as our recommendations for the best termite treatment.

Sunshine Coast Office

Sunshine Coast Office

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