Why are subterranean termites a problem?
Subterranean termites are a highly destructive timber pest, causing major structural timber damage to domestic and commercial buildings in Queensland. Termites cause more damage to homes in Australia than fire, floods and storms combined. Severe termite damage to Australian homes is on the increase due to recent changes in the type of chemicals being used, building construction materials and designs that encourage hidden termite entry and infestation. Urban population spread means that we are now building in areas that are already infested with termites. In Australia, there are approximately 25 species of termites that are of economic importance to timber-in-service buildings. The majority of these species are found in the tropics and warm temperate coastal and inland regions. Termites consume wood from inside out, usually by the time the termites’ work is visible, and the timber is virtually eaten away. Home insurance does NOT cover the repair costs of damage caused by termites to a h
