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Common Destructive Termites in South East Queensland

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Common Destructive Termites in South East Queensland

Introduction

South East Queensland’s climate is the perfect breeding ground for termites, The most Common Destructive Termites in South East Queensland are very destructive. If left untreated, these termites can silently eat away at the structure of your home, causing costly and severe damage in a short period of time. Colonies can contain more than 1 million termites and the largest termite colony ever recorded contained over three million termites! In this post, we’ll cover the most damaging termite species in the region: their nesting sites, timber preferences, the damage they can cause, and how to treat them effectively.

Common Destructive Termites in South East Queensland

1. Coptotermes Species (Subterranean Termite)

  • Nesting Sites:
    Nests in the crown of trees, mainly gum species, often near moisture sources such as leaking pipes, stumps, subfloors and behind walls.

  • Distribution: Coptotermes termites are distributed throughout most of mainland Australia, particularly in urban areas and regions where Gum trees are common.

  • Damage Potential:
    One of Australia’s most destructive termites. Colonies can contain over a million termites and cause severe damage in just a few weeks. Because they are more widespread they are responsible for the most damage in Australia.

  • Timber Preferences:
    Attacks a wide range of timbers—Hardwoods, softwoods and moist, decaying timber.

  • Treatment:
    Chemical barriers and baiting systems protecting structures, Dusting, foaming and baiting systems are most effective. Early detection is critical. These treatments are commonly used for all subterranean termites.

2. Schedorhinotermes intermedius

Common Destructive Termites in South East Queensland

  • Nesting Sites:
    Common in tree stumps, logs, under buildings, wall cavities and poorly ventilated moist subfloors.

  •  Distribution: This species is distributed from south-eastern Qld to just south of Sidney mainly in the coastal regions.

  • Damage Potential:
    Known for aggressive feeding they are very destructive. Damage may appear suddenly and be extensive.

  • Timber Preferences:
    Prefers dense hardwoods but will consume all other timbers especially pine very quickly.

  • Treatment types:
    Dusting, foaming and baiting, followed by a perimeter treatment (Termite management system) to help prevent the termites re-infesting.

3. Nasutitermes walkeri

Common Destructive Termites in South East Queensland

  • Nesting Sites:
    Builds arboreal nests high in trees or wall cavities. Commonly form large nests visible on tree trunks. Because nests are usually visible they are more easily dealt with.

  • Damage Potential:
    Less aggressive but still capable of damaging all timbers, weathered or exposed timber.

  • Timber Preferences:
    Favours decaying wood, fence posts, Retaining walls, house framing and roof timbers.

  • Treatment:
    Nest removal and targeted surface sprays or injections into the nest. baiting is less effective on this species so chemical treatments are the go to.

4. Microcerotermes species

  • Nesting Sites:
    Small arboreal nests in trees, timber posts, and sometimes in wall cavities or roof voids.

  • Distribution: Microcerotermes termites are widely found throughout Australia, with different species found in various regions.

  • Damage Potential:
    Generally less destructive than Coptotermes but can still damage most timbers, fence posts, and exposed timbers.

  • Timber Preferences:
    Prefers weathered or rotting timber; may target garden structures and external joinery. But if left untreated they can cause major damage over time.

  • Treatment:
    Direct treatment of the nest, if located, and surface sprays in affected areas. Preventive monitoring is important. Similar to Nasutitermes the nests are visible and are easily treated

5. Heterotermes 

  • Nesting Sites:
    Shallow underground nests under logs, mulch, or debris close to buildings.

  • Distribution: Heterotermes are found in southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and southern Western Australia.

  • Damage Potential:
    Not as aggressive as other species but persistent. Often causes superficial to moderate damage, particularly to fence posts, decking, and flooring.

  • Timber Preferences:
    Damp and decaying timber, untreated softwoods, and pine framing in older homes.

  • Treatment:
    Baiting systems and direct chemical treatments. Remove conducive conditions like stored timber and mulch near the home.

How Much Damage Can Termites Cause?

In South East Queensland, termites are responsible for millions of dollars in damage each year and over a billion dollars throughout Australia. A single infestation can cost homeowners thousands in repairs, especially if it’s a species like Coptotermes or Schedorhinotermes, which attack structural timber. Unfortunately, the damage is often hidden until it’s too late—making early detection and prevention key.

We have found damage to homes in excess of $70,000 so being proactive is extremely important.

Preferred Timbers for Termites

Termites in Queensland will feed on a wide range of timbers, especially if they’re:

  • Untreated

  • Moist or decaying

  • In contact with soil or leaking water

Common Targets:

  • Hardwoods

  • Radiata pine

  • Oregon

  • Treated pine (if cut or weathered)

  • Tasmanian oak

  • External joinery and decking

Termite Treatment Options

1. Chemical Barriers ( Termite Management Systems)

Create a treated zone around the home’s perimeter to prevent concealed entry (e.g., Termidor, Biflex).

2. Baiting Systems

Effective for colony elimination. Termites feed on a bait with an insect growth regulator and carry it back to the nest.

3. Direct Nest Treatment

Useful for arboreal and visible nests. Involves dusts, foams, or chemical injections.

4. Moisture Management

Moisture is the most important thing when it comes to attracting termites. So Reduce conditions that attract termites by fixing leaks , drainage and improving subfloor ventilation.

How Certified Home Inspections Can Help

At Certified Home Inspections, we specialise in identifying and treating all major termite species found in Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, and the Gold Coast. Our team uses advanced tools like The I Tracker Pro, thermal cameras, moisture meters, and borescope inspections to detect termites early—before they cause serious damage.

Regular inspections are the key and every home owner should get at least one inspection per year.

Book a Termite Inspection Today

📞 Call Us Now: tel:1800 862 683
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Online Booking: book-your-service-online

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