What does it look like?
Australian subterranean termite grows to 4-7 millimetres in size but without the typical small ant 'waist'. These termites are found in trees and timber including landscape structures, buildings, and furniture. This pest lives in colonies that have a social structure similar to ants with several castes, namely king, queen, workers, soldiers and (at particular times of the year – usually November to February) alates (flying reproductive termites).
The body length of the alate is about 7.5 millimetres long. They have two sets of slightly brownish wings. At rest, the wings lie flat and are about 11.5 millimetres long. Australian subterranean termites are thought to have arrived in New Zealand inside telephone poles, railway sleepers, and wooden packaging from Australia in the 1990s. The termites then spread to other parts of the country when people moved these risk goods to other areas. The termites can also spread short distances during their flight period.
Subsequent changes to timber importing requirements have now reduced the risk of such incursions.
Why is it a problem?
This termite can cause substantial damage to trees and the wooden parts of buildings.
Control methods
MPI has an effective eradication programme for Australian subterranean termite infestations. Bait stations are set out containing a specific insecticide which is not harmful to humans, birds and most other animals. These bait stations are monitored until there is confidence the colony has been killed, at which time 'elimination' is declared. This can take several months to a year or more, depending on the size of the colony, disturbance of feeding activity and the time of year the termites were detected. Post-elimination surveillance continues until there has been no termite activity detected for five years, after which 'eradication' is officially declared. Surveillance consists of quarterly monitoring of traps and bait stations and annual surveys of properties within a radius of up to 500 metres of the infestation.
MPI is now eradicating colonies found in Point Wells and Drury in 2012, Māngere and Walton in 2013, and Omaha in 2014.
More information
If you suspect you have seen Australian subterranean termites, call the MPI Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66. You can report sightings online at https://report.mpi.govt.nz/pest.
Related links
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/3416-Have-you-seen-signs-of-termites/
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/exotic-pests-and-diseases-in-new-zealand/active-biosecurity-responses-to-pests-and-diseases/exotic-termites/
https://report.mpi.govt.nz/pest https://pw.gurudigital.nz/Media/7/1078/Coptotermes_acinaciformis.jpg?w=320&mode=crop
Management Programme
Notifiable Organism
Any organism specified under the Biosecurity Notifiable Organisms Order 2016 must be reported to MPI if spotted. If any of these organisms become established in New Zealand, they could severely affect our primary production, trade, and market access. If you spot a notifiable organism, you have a legal obligation under section 44 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 to tell MPI. Call the pests-and-diseases hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
More informationUnwanted Organism
An unwanted organism is any organism that's capable of causing harm to natural or physical resources (like forests and waterways) or human health. A number of introduced pests in New Zealand are classed as unwanted.
More informationTaxonomies
FamilyRhinotermitidae
TypeInsects
GroupAnts
HabitatLand
Management ProgrammeNotifiable OrganismUnwanted Organism
