Termites in the Canberra Region

By JAL Watson

This second edition reflects the changing emphasis in termite identification and control. The first step in coping with termites is still the location and treatment of their nests but there is greater emphasis on barrier treatments to exclude them from buildings, and the need to install barriers during construction no matter where the building is sited.

This book is well illustrated with black and white photographs and the text carefully discusses control and precautions necessary for all buildings. While referring to the Canberra region and south coast of NSW, the lessons to be learned will be valuable to any region with termite problems.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CSIRO PUBLISHING
• Release date: Jan 1, 1988
• ISBN: 9780643102828

Book preview

Termites in the

Canberra Region

second edition

J.A.L. Watson

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

Australia 1988

National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication Entry

Watson, J.A.L. (John Anthony Linthorne).

Termites in the Canberra region.

2nd ed.

ISBN 0 643 04893 6.

1. Termites-Australian Capital Territory-Canberra Region. 2.Household pests-Australian Capital Territory-Canberra Region. 3.Termites-control-Australian Capital Territory-Canberra Region. I. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (Australia). Division of Entomology. II. Title.

595.7’36’099471

First edition 1981

Second edition, completely revised, 1988

© CSIRO 1988.

Printed by Goanna Print Pty Ltd, Canberra.

Contents

Preface to the first edition

Preface to the second edition

Chapter 1.   Introduction

Termite problems in the Canberra region and the south coast — strategies for termite control — what to do if you find insect-damaged timber in your home — what to do if you are planning to build.

Chapter 2.   Termite biology

What are termites? — signs of termite damage — the termite colony — the nest — how do termites invade buildings?

Chapter 3.   Termites that attack buildings in the Canberra region and on the south coast

Appearance and habits of two common Canberra species, Coptotermes frenchi and Nasutitermes exitiosus, and a less common but more damaging termite, Coptotermes acinaciformis — three less troublesome species, Porotermes adamsoni, Heterotermes ferox and Coptotermes lacteus — summary. Termites on the south coast — the most damaging species — others, not found in Canberra.

Chapter 4.   Level of termite hazard

Canberra region — hazard associated with original eucalypt trees — landscaped gardens — damp areas in houses — summary. South coast of New South Wales. Termites in firewood.

Chapter 5.   Principles of termite control

Strategy — Australian standards — Building Manual A.C.T. — general recommendations — long-term precautions.

Chapter 6.   Steps to be taken during construction

Preliminary precautions — underfloor areas — site clearance. Installation of barriers — termite capping — chemical barriers.

Chapter 7.   Control of termites in existing buildings

Principles — do’s and don’ts when you find termites — destruction of nests — arsenical dusting — installation of barriers — suspended floors — concrete slabs.

Chapter 8.   Recommended chemicals

The chemicals — concentrations — making up diluted emulsions.

Appendix:   Identification of termites from the Canberra region and the N.S.W. south coast

Key to termite soldiers — notes on local termites.

Index

Preface to the first edition

It is fifty years since the newly established Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (now CSIRO) appointed G.F. Hill to its Canberra laboratories to carry out research on termites, and during that time the termites of Canberra and the Southern Tablelands have been studied extensively. Hill and his colleagues wrote two substantial books on Australian termites, both containing a lot of information on termites from our region, but they are now out of print and, in some respects, out of date. Recently, however, with the rapid growth of Canberra and its expansion into wooded areas where termites are prevalent, we have received increasing numbers of enquiries about termites from the public, the pest control industry, and administrators. These have emphasised the need for readily available information on local termites and their control. This handbook is the result.

Many friends - colleagues, families and neighbours - have helped us to prepare it. We thank them all.

CSIRO, Division of Entomology, Canberra

February, 1981

Preface to the second edition

In the eight years since this handbook was written there have been many changes. Termites have been found in the Canberra region that were unknown here. Increasing numbers of severe infestations could not be traced back to a termite nest. Nests have been found in landscaped gardens, in damp cavity walls, in clumps of pampas grass, and in small, regenerating trees. It has become difficult to predict the level of termite hazard. There have been many enquiries about termites and the problems they pose on the New South Wales south coast. Not least of the changes, new regulations make it illegal for householders to use organochlorine insecticides such as dieldrin and chlordane, previously commonplace in termite control.

As a result, this second edition has a changed