Termites Identification Inside Your Home
I received this email from a gentleman that wants to identify termites that he discovered inside the room of the house that he is looking to buy in Northern Tassie
Hi Ion,
I have discovered these in the inside rooms of a house we are looking to buy down here in Northern Tassie. Well aware of the rarity of the occurrence but all the same we are fairly sure what they are.
Please help if you can and do not hesitate to call if required.
Hullo,
It is a termite, even if you are in Tasmania! Yes, termites in solid timber of houses is a rare occurrence.
I’m thinking it is Porotermes adamsoni which is found in Tassie mainly eating wood affected by decay from which they can extend their galleries into solid wood. This is your indication that the house you are contemplating buying has a moisture problem— the extent of which your building inspector can give advise.
I’m just making an educated guess here: the termite damage should not be extended into solid timber and if it can be determined how or where the termites gained entry, this area could possibly be rectified by altering the soil level, the drainage and use of say Bifenthrin as an insecticidal barrier.
Our Colony Killer Termite Bait has not been tested against this species so I wouldn’t recommend you spend money to feed them when physical removal and insecticidal prevention could work for you more rapidly.
As a potential buyer, you could negotiate with the vendor to solve the problem before you buy.
The nest is probably inside a hollow tree or stump or fallen log; (the queen is unlikely to be inside the house).
Best wishes
