Termites
Australia has around 300 species of termites but only around 20 are of any economic significance. Different areas experience problems with different species and behaviour can vary with geography. The identification, study and management of termites are a complex integration of skills, experience and local knowledge. If you think you have termites on your property it is essential you seek expert help. To find a qualified termite expert in your area, click here.
Layman's Guide on Termites
Termites can be found throughout the tropical and temperate areas of the world. Whether you live in Tokyo, Paris, Cairo or Meekathara in the outback of Western Australia, you are sharing your world with termites. They are found on ships at sea, in coal mines deep underground and the tops of the highest trees. They can cause damage in a wide range of human activity from crops to forestry to building and even sports. (Honolulu had to demolish their major ball stadium because of termite damage.) They possibly emit more greenhouse gasses than all the world's people and cattle herds. It has been estimated that termites constitute at least 15% of the total weight of all animals (including people, cattle, fish whales and other insects) in the tropical areas of the world. Given the size of a termite, that's a lot of termites. In developed countries located in the appropriate climate zones they cause more damage to homes than fire, storms, earthquakes and hurricanes put together. One would think that something so ubiquitous and dangerous would be understood and ever present in the minds of everyone and yet they are so secretive, most people would not recognise them and don't think about them until they face financial loss.
How does it affect you?
It is difficult to quantify termite economic risk worldwide but some data is available. It is known that there are areas of low termite pressure, moderate termite pressure, high termite pressure and very high termite pressure. In the state of New South Wales, Australia, a survey many years ago revealed one house in four would be effected by termites in its life. The majority of homes in that state do not fall within the very high termite pressure zone which occurs from the northern N.S.W. coast up through Queensland and across the top end of Australia. The recent population shifts into Queensland coastal areas means the majority of these people have yet to feel the true impact of living with termites and current infestations represent only a preview of what is to come.
Risk of Termites
Where's the cavalry?
For those who await technology to come to the rescue, a word of caution. Termites have survived millions of years and have seen the dinosaurs come and go. They serve a critical function in the environment for which there are no obvious alternatives. It is unlikely that there will ever be any "magic bullets" developed as the environmental consequences will be worse than the termites. The realistic prospects are that we will have to learn to live with them. Risk can be managed just as you can manage risk when you drive a car but no matter how careful you are, you cannot eliminate the risk. To take the road hazard analogy a little further, just as you cannot rely on someone else to protect your safety on the road, it is down to the individual to work with the experts and the management systems available, to ultimately make the management system effective.
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