Identification
Physical Identification
Size: Workers are typically 4-6 mm long. Minor soldiers are of a similar size, while Major soldiers are larger, up to 7-8 mm. Alates are around 15-20 mm long including wings.
Coloration: Workers are creamy white and soft-bodied. Soldiers have yellow-brown heads and creamy-white bodies. Alates are a dark brownish-black colour.
Key Features: The presence of two distinct soldier castes (majors and minors) is the primary and most reliable distinguishing feature. Their damage can also be characteristic, sometimes leaving a plaster-like or 'scalloped' appearance on the surface of timbers. They often create extensive mud 'sheltering' over the surface of attacked timber.
Body Structure: They have the typical termite body shape with a thick waist. The defining feature of this genus is the dimorphic (two sizes) soldier caste. Major soldiers have a large, bulbous head with powerful, curved mandibles. Minor soldiers are much smaller, with a narrower head and more slender mandibles. Finding both sizes of soldier together in a sample is a definitive sign of *Schedorhinotermes*.
Biology & Lifecycle
Biology & Development
Development
The lifecycle is similar to other subterranean termites. Nymphs hatch from eggs and are cared for by workers, moulting several times. Hormones and pheromones within the colony dictate their development into workers, one of the two soldier castes, or winged alates.
Reproduction
A mature queen can lay thousands of eggs a day, leading to rapid colony growth. The colony can take several years to mature to a point where it can cause significant damage and produce alates.
Optimal Temperature: This genus thrives in warm and humid environments, making it a major pest in the coastal regions of eastern, northern, and western Australia. Optimal foraging temperatures are between 24-34°C.
Social Structure
A highly organised eusocial insect. The colony operates as a single entity, with all individuals working for the collective good. The dimorphic soldier caste adds a layer of complexity to their social structure.
Lifecycle Details
Life Cycle
Egg Stage
The queen, located deep within the central nest, lays thousands of eggs. These are cared for by worker termites in nursery chambers.
Nymphal Stage
Termites have nymphs, not larvae. These young termites are fed by workers and undergo several moults as they develop.
Adult Stage
Adults are differentiated into castes. Workers perform foraging and nest duties, the two soldier castes provide defence, and the reproductives (king, queen, alates) ensure the continuation of the colony. A mature colony can be very large, numbering in the hundreds of thousands.
Development Time: The journey from egg to adult worker or soldier takes several months. A colony needs at least 4-6 years to reach maturity.
Seasonal Cycle
Foraging and damage can occur all year round in warmer climates. The main seasonal event is the swarming of alates, which typically occurs on warm, humid evenings during the spring and summer months.
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat & Distribution
Preferred Habitats
- Nests in tree stumps, root boles, and living trees.
- Sub-floor areas of buildings, especially where damp.
- Retaining walls and landscape timbers.
- They are common in both native bushland and urban environments.
Nesting Behavior
They are flexible nesters. The main nest is often located in the base of trees, in old tree stumps, in root crowns, or in the subfloor of buildings, particularly in damp areas. They do not typically build mounds.
Microhabitat
Their hidden network of tunnels and galleries inside timber and soil.
Distribution Patterns
Distribution in Australia
Distribution: Widespread across most of Australia, particularly prevalent along the eastern seaboard from the tropics down to the south coast of NSW. Also common in southwest Western Australia. Less common in the colder climates of Victoria and Tasmania.
Climate Zones: Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate, Mediterranean
Native Range: Native to Australia.
Limiting Factors: Lower temperatures are the main factor limiting its southern distribution. It is less successful in colder regions than *Coptotermes*.
Behavior & Diet
Behavior & Activity
Activity Pattern: Continuously active 24/7 within the confines of their nest and mud tunnels. They avoid light and are rarely seen in the open.
Foraging Behavior
They are aggressive and damaging foragers. They can be more cautious than *Coptotermes*, sometimes causing patchy or selective damage. They often build extensive mud 'plastering' or 'sheeting' over the surface of timber they are attacking, which can be a key sign of their presence.
Defensive Behavior
If their workings are disturbed, both major and minor soldiers will swarm to the breach to defend the colony. Major soldiers use their large crushing mandibles, while minor soldiers use their sharper, more agile mandibles.
Communication: A complex system of chemical pheromones is used for trail-following, recruitment, caste regulation, and alarm signals. Head-banging is also used to transmit vibrations.
Dietary Preferences
Diet & Feeding
Feeding Habits: They feed on cellulose from wood and wood products. They can be more selective than *Coptotermes*, sometimes preferring to eat the softer spring growth wood and leaving the harder summer growth.
Primary Food Sources
- Structural timber in service.
- Decaying wood in stumps and logs.
- Wooden fences and poles.
- Paper, cardboard and other cellulose materials.
- They are a major threat to homes and other timber structures.
Foraging Range: Extensive, with foraging galleries extending up to 50 metres from the nest.
Feeding Schedule: Continuous.
Health Risks
Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.
Health Risks
Disease Transmission
- None. They are not vectors of human diseases.
Allergens: As with other termites, dust from their workings and nests can contain mould spores and insect fragments that may aggravate asthma or allergies in susceptible people.
Risk Level: Low. The risk of physical harm from the termites is negligible. The primary risk is the stress associated with discovering and repairing the damage they cause.
Vulnerable Populations
- Individuals with respiratory sensitivities may be affected during the removal of heavily infested materials.
Economic Impact
Economic Impact
Structural Damage
Severe. *Schedorhinotermes* is capable of causing rapid and extensive damage to building timbers, often on par with *Coptotermes*. They can hollow out structural elements, leading to costly repairs.
Treatment Costs: $2000 - $7000+. Treatment is similar in cost to *Coptotermes* and requires a full barrier or baiting system.
Agricultural Impact
Can attack and damage some horticultural crops, such as grapevines.
Business Impact: Treatment and repairs can be highly disruptive to business operations.
Detection & Signs
Signs of Schedorhinotermes Termite infestation may include visible specimens, droppings, damage to property, and unusual sounds or smells. Professional assessment is recommended for accurate identification.
Prevention
Sanitation Measures
- Remove potential nesting sites like old tree stumps from your property.
- Keep the area around and under your home free from stored timber, cardboard, and other cellulose debris.
- Address all moisture issues, as damp soil and leaking pipes attract all subterranean termites.
- Keep gutters clean and ensure drainage directs water well away from the building.
Exclusion Methods
- Installation of a termite management system (chemical or physical barrier) is the most effective exclusion method and is mandatory for new buildings.
- Keep slab edges and foundation walls clear and visible for easy inspection.
- Seal all penetrations through the concrete slab with termite-resistant sealant.
- Use termite-treated or naturally resistant timber in construction.
Landscaping Tips
- Avoid creating a moisture-rich environment against your house with garden beds or heavy mulch.
- Keep shrubs and trees trimmed back from the house to allow airflow and reduce concealed access.
- Ensure sprinklers are not consistently wetting the walls of the house.
- Choose non-timber materials for retaining walls and garden edging where possible.
Monitoring Strategies
- Annual professional termite inspections are non-negotiable.
- Termite baiting and monitoring systems are highly effective for intercepting *Schedorhinotermes* before they reach the house.
- Regular self-checks of your property's perimeter and sub-floor (if accessible) can help spot early signs of trouble.
Environmental Modification
- Improve sub-floor ventilation to create a dry, uninviting environment.
- Manage drainage across the property to prevent soil from becoming waterlogged near the foundations.
- Remove any timber-to-soil contact, such as fence posts directly embedded in the ground against the house.
Control Methods
Chemical Control
Professional treatment is essential and typically involves either a liquid soil-applied barrier or a termite baiting system. Non-repellent liquid termiticides are highly effective, as the termites unknowingly pass through the treated zone and transfer the poison throughout the colony. Baiting systems work to achieve colony elimination.
Biological Control
Not a viable control method.
Physical Control
Physical barriers are preventative and installed at the time of construction.
Integrated Approach
An IPM approach is crucial. This involves a thorough inspection to identify the species and extent of the problem, followed by a primary treatment (baits or barrier), and addressing any conducive conditions like moisture sources or wood-to-ground contact that are encouraging the infestation.
Treatment Effectiveness
Success Rate: Professional systems have a very high success rate when installed and maintained correctly.
Timeframe: Colony elimination via baiting can take from a few months to over a year. A chemical barrier provides immediate protection to the building itself.
Follow-up Required: Absolutely critical. Bait systems require regular servicing, and chemical barriers require annual inspections to ensure their continued efficacy.
Seasonal Considerations: Treatment is required immediately upon detection, at any time of year.
Professional Services
Professional Treatment Services
An IPM approach is crucial. This involves a thorough inspection to identify the species and extent of the problem, followed by a primary treatment (baits or barrier), and addressing any conducive conditions like moisture sources or wood-to-ground contact that are encouraging the infestation.
Application Techniques
- Installation of a liquid chemical barrier by trenching and injecting soil around the building.
- Strategic installation of in-ground bait stations around the property.
- Direct treatment of the nest (if found) or areas of high activity with an insecticidal dust or foam.
Follow-up Services
Absolutely critical. Bait systems require regular servicing, and chemical barriers require annual inspections to ensure their continued efficacy.
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Browse All ProvidersSeasonal Patterns
Seasonal Activity
Seasonal Cycle: Foraging and damage can occur all year round in warmer climates. The main seasonal event is the swarming of alates, which typically occurs on warm, humid evenings during the spring and summer months.
Environmental Factors
Like all subterranean termites, they require a constant source of moisture from the soil or a persistent leak within a building. The availability of suitable nesting sites, like tree stumps, and abundant food sources are also critical.
Activity Pattern: Continuously active 24/7 within the confines of their nest and mud tunnels. They avoid light and are rarely seen in the open.
Legal Considerations
Legal Considerations
Termite control should be conducted by licensed pest control professionals in accordance with local regulations. Check with your local council for any specific requirements regarding termite treatments and chemical applications. Professional treatments may require notification to neighbors and adherence to safety protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Schedorhinotermes and Coptotermes termites?
The single most definitive difference, used by professionals for identification, is the soldier caste. *Schedorhinotermes* has two distinct sizes of soldiers, known as 'major' and 'minor' soldiers, which can be found together. The major soldiers are large with big, bulbous heads, while the minor soldiers are much smaller and more slender. In contrast, *Coptotermes*, Australia's most destructive genus, has only one type of soldier, which is characterised by a pear-shaped head and the ability to exude a milky defensive fluid. While both are highly destructive subterranean species that build mud tunnels, the presence of these two soldier castes is a clear and unambiguous sign that you are dealing with *Schedorhinotermes*.
How destructive are Schedorhinotermes termites?
They are considered one of Australia's most economically significant pests, second only to *Coptotermes* in their destructive capability. A mature *Schedorhinotermes* colony contains hundreds of thousands of individuals and forages aggressively, often attacking multiple points in a structure simultaneously. They can consume timber rapidly, and because their nests are often concealed in stumps or underground, an infestation can cause extensive damage before it is even detected. They can destroy structural timbers, flooring, and wall frames, leading to enormous repair bills. It is not an exaggeration to say they can seriously compromise the structural integrity of a building in a few years, so they should be treated as an extremely high-level threat to any property.
Where do Schedorhinotermes termites usually build their nests?
They are quite flexible with their nesting sites, but they are most commonly found in concealed, protected locations with reliable moisture. Favoured spots include old tree stumps, the root crowns of living trees (particularly natives like eucalypts), and buried timber. They are also notorious for building nests within the sub-floor of houses, especially in areas where there might be excess moisture, such as around leaking pipes or poorly ventilated bathrooms and laundries. Unlike some species, they do not build prominent mounds, which can make locating the central nest—a key part of some treatment strategies—very challenging for professionals. The nest is a complex, woody structure that houses the queen and the brood.
What are the common signs of a Schedorhinotermes infestation?
The signs are similar to other subterranean termites but with some subtle differences. You should look for the typical mud tunnels running from the ground up foundation walls or piers. A key sign for this species is extensive mud 'plastering' or 'sheeting' that they build over the surface of the timber they are attacking. This can be more widespread than the simple tunnels of other species. You might also see damaged timber that appears 'scalloped' or has a patchy appearance. Of course, the most dramatic sign is a swarm of winged alates on a warm evening, or the discovery of their shed wings. Any timber that sounds hollow when tapped or feels soft should also be investigated immediately. Due to their secretive nature, these signs can often be hidden within walls or under floors.
Is it safe to try and get rid of Schedorhinotermes myself?
No, it is absolutely not safe or effective to attempt DIY treatment for *Schedorhinotermes*. This is a highly destructive species with a large, hidden colony, and requires professional expertise. Spraying the termites you see with a household insecticide will kill only a tiny fraction of the workers and will not affect the nest or the queen. More importantly, it will likely cause the colony to seal off the disturbed area and move to another, harder-to-detect part of your home, allowing them to continue their destruction unabated. This makes future professional treatment more complex and costly. Given the immense financial risk they pose, the only responsible course of action upon finding *Schedorhinotermes* is to leave them undisturbed and call a licensed termite professional immediately.
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