formosan termite

The Formosan Termite is one of the most destructive termite species in the world. It can be found in China, Taiwan, Japan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the USA (including Hawaii). Australia is free from the Formosan Termite and we want to keep it that way.

What is the risk to Australia?

The Formosan Termite forms large colonies and is highly destructive, causing major structural damage to timber and timber components in housing and furniture in a relatively short period of time.

What does the Formosan Termite look like?

The Formosan Termite lives in a colony that contains distinctive groups called ‘castes’. These castes look different from one another and each has a special duty to carry out in the colony.

A termite worker is pale yellow in colour and builds nests from material that resembles paper. The material is actually made from soil, timber and other plant material, which is mixed together with its saliva and faeces.

A termite soldier is approximately 12 to 15 millimetres long, is pale yellow and has large dark ‘teeth’. When disturbed, it exudes drops of milky fluid from its head.

An alate termite has wings, is yellowish-brown and is produced between early spring and midsummer, swarming in large numbers at dusk.

What to look for

Nests are made in soil, wood, hollows or spaces between walls and floors. They can be found in shipping containers, timber and yachts/boats. The termites are attracted to lights and are often found around windows, light fixtures, windowsills and in spider webs.

What to do if you find any suspect termites

• SEE. SECURE. REPORT.
  
• If you SEE any suspect findings, SECURE them where possible and immediately REPORT them to AQIS on 1800 020 504.
  
• Consult AQIS entomologists prior to handling or collecting specimens.

More information

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Phone: 1800 020 504 Freecall within Australia