Australia hosts over 300 termite species, and only a handful of them make mounds, yet spotting these red-dirt lumps is known to get the average homeowner’s heart racing.
While some species construct visible mounds that aid in identification, many of the most destructive species remain hidden underground. This guide separates termites into mound-building species and hidden nesters to help you understand what to look for, and identify if your home is at risk.
Mound-Building Species: A Guide to Termite Mound Identification
Cathedral Termite (Nasutitermes triodiae)
The most spectacular example of termite mound identification comes from these remarkable builders. Their cathedral-like mounds can reach heights of up to 8 meters, making them impossible to miss in the landscape. Despite their impressive size, these termites primarily feed on grass rather than wood, posing a minimal threat to structures.
Nasutitermes exitiosus
These termites tend to build small, dome-shaped mounds at the base of tree trunks. This species can be found in southeastern Australia and are common across ACT, VIC, southern QLD, and NSW, particularly in the Blue Mountains region.
Magnetic Termite (Amitermes species)
Two varieties of these termites exist. Both are grass-feeders and pose minimal risk to human settlements.
- Amitermes laurensis (Queensland): These termites are known to create cone-shaped mounds that seem more ordinary than their northern counterparts.
- Amitermes meridionalis (Darwin and NT): Their flat-shaped mounds feature a distinct north-south orientation.
Coptotermes acinaciformis
These destructive pests may create lumpy mounds at the base of trees, stumps, or poles or build separate mounds averaging 1.5 meters in height. However, they also build nests underground, under patio decks and concrete slabs, making them harder to detect. Consider yourself lucky if you spot an above-ground portion of their nest, as they could have gone undetected for much longer. They represent one of Queensland’s most significant termite threats.
Microcerotermes
While some build small mounds on the ground, they’re better known for arboreal nests with stalactites found midway up tree trunks or on fence posts.
Hidden Nesters and Subterranean Species
Dangerous Hidden Species
Many of Australia’s most destructive termites rarely build visible mounds, making detection extremely challenging. These include:
Mastotermes darwiniensis (Giant Termite)
These entirely subterranean termites build nests below soil level or within tree trunks and root crowns. Their hidden nature combined with their destructive potential makes them particularly dangerous.
Schedorhinotermes
These exclusively underground nesters prefer root crowns of trees and spaces beneath timber piles or houses. While they don’t build their own mounds, they may occupy abandoned ones.
Cryptotermes (West Indian Dry-Wood Termite)
These termites can establish entire colonies within small wooden items, surviving for over a decade without detection. Look for their distinctive frass (droppings) rather than mounds. You can identify frass by rolling some between your fingers. Where other insect droppings will smear, termite frass keeps its structure.
Other Notable Species
Nasutitermes walkeri
Found from Sydney to Cairns, they build nests on tree trunks rather than ground mounds. Their brittle outer casings can be confused with Microcerotermes turneri nests.
Prevention and Protection
The challenge with subterranean termites is that by the time visible damage appears, significant structural harm may have already occurred. Many of Australia’s most destructive termite species are hidden nesters, making traditional termite mound identification impossible. This is why annual professional termite inspections and treatments are imperative for protecting your home.
Regular termite inspections by qualified professionals can:
- Detect early signs of termite activity before significant damage occurs
- Identify potential entry points and risk factors
- Monitor known termite mounds in the vicinity
- Assess the effectiveness of existing termite barriers
The cost of annual inspections and preventive treatments is minimal compared to the potential expense of major structural repairs. Remember, while visible termite mound identification is useful, the absence of visible mounds doesn’t guarantee your property is safe from termite activity.
Correctly Identify Termite Mounds
While termite mound identification provides valuable insights into the species around your property, many dangerous termites remain hidden from view. Combining knowledge of visible mound characteristics with regular professional inspections offers the best protection for your property against both visible and hidden termite threats.
