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Nasutitermes Walkeri Termite – Identification & Overview

australia owned and operated

Australian operated

Free on-site visist & quote

Free on-site visit & quote

Over 14,000+ homes protected

Over 14,000+ homes protected

5/5 stars is most frequent rating

5/5 stars is most frequent rating

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More commonly known as the tree termite. This is a species of arboreal termite.

Structure, Appearance and Characteristics

Soldier:

  • 5-7 mm in length
  • Long straight mandibles
  • Rounded head which narrows into a beak
  • Fontanelle is present
  • Tarsi – 4 segments
  • Abdominal cerci – 2 segments
  • Pronotum is saddle shaped with anterior lobes
  • Pale, yellowish brown in colour.

Life Cycle

The queens’ primary purpose is reproduction. Unlike some other species of termite, she will lay her eggs one at a time.

The development of the termite is a gradual process. The stages of development are –

  • egg
  • nymph
  • adult

Upon hatching, the nymphs are then fed by the workers until they eventually develop into adults. This developmental phase is affected by temperature, the availability of food and general health of the colony. As a result, the workers can feed the nymphs for approximately 2 – 4 months until they hit maturity. During this phase the nymph will go on to moult several times before finally maturing into a soldier, a worker or winged reproductive.

A termite colony consists of 4 distinctive castes. These are the –

King and Queen

After reaching maturity, young winged reproductives (alates) leave the colony in order to mate and establish new termite colonies. After mating they find a suitable site for colonising. They shed their wings and then turn into kings and queens.

These kings and queens are responsible for the creation of a whole new termite colony. While a new colony is being developed, they will be responsible for looking after the young. This will continue until there are enough workers in the colony to assist the queen in looking after the brood.

Worker

The worker caste is the most common in any termite colony. They are responsible for the majority of the jobs in the colony except for reproduction and defence. They build the nest, collect food and care for the young. They also feed the soldiers and the young reproductives.

The workers of both sexes are blind, wingless and sterile. Their outer covering is soft and unpigmented, making them vulnerable to the sun. Because of this, the workers will spend most of their time in moist and damp environments. These workers are responsible for all the damage done to timber. Their life span is approximately 1 to 2 years.

Soldier

Like the workers, soldiers are also blind, wingless and sterile. They are also vulnerable to the sun and rarely leave the colony. Soldiers cannot feed themselves and need to be fed by the workers. The primary role of the soldier is to defend the colony. They do this using their powerful jaws or by ejecting a sticky repellent from the fontanelle. This is a hole located on the top of the head.

Reproductive

These have large eyes. They are darker in colour and have an outer covering that is thicker than that of the workers and soldiers. They are often larger in size. Once fully grown, the winged reproductives (alates) will fly away during the summer months, and only when the conditions outside matches the conditions inside the colony itself.

Habitat

These termites inhabit the woodland and bushland along coastal and mountain regions. They can be found in the north eastern areas of New South Wales and the south eastern region of Queensland. They construct their nests in trees, usually on the main trunk or on a large branch. Nests are huge and well populated with galleries extending all the way down the tree trunk. Underground tunnels spread from the base of the tree and connect to various food sources. Colonies can also be found in tree stumps and wooden poles where the timber is in contact with the soil. This species can be found in all the states and territories of mainland Australia.

Food

The worker termites will feed on decayed wood, moss, fungi and humus. The wood is digested with the assistance of their own by intestinal enzymes. All the other castes are fed by the workers via oral and anal excretions, a process known as trophallaxis.

Destructive Nature

This is an endemic species with a known pest status. Termite attacks to homes with hardwood are common. Buildings can attract termite attack if associated with high moisture, poor ventilation and decaying wood. In the right conditions, these termites can destroy the roofing and wall timbers of a home within 3 months.

Most unprotected properties are at risk of attack by termites. This risk increases if there are gum trees growing within a 100-metre radius of the property.

HAVE A TERMITE PROBLEM? GIVE US A CALL

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Pest Ex use the very best in thermal imaging equipment to guarantee the right results every time.  We’ve spared no expense to ensure you receive the best in termite protection. We have a team of experienced technicians who will handle your inspections and provide you with the best recommendations for eradicating infestations and avoiding pests from invading your property.

In addition to our state of the art equipment:

  • Our work is 100% Gauranteed
  • We offer unbeatable same day on site service and communication
  • We have serviced over 7,000 satisfied customers
  • We work with home and business owners, and have experience with a wide range of different types of properties
  • All termite treatments we provide are all child and pet friendly
  • Our pest controllers are qualified timber pest inspectors (Cert 3 – Pest management technical)
 

Got a Pest Problem? Contact Us Today

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5 Star Google reviews from both Gold Coast & Brisbane locations

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Kent Bailey
11 months ago
Just had my home barrier treatment for termites by Pest Ex. In every way a brilliant job and fantastic friendly service unlike...read more anything else I have struck on the Gold Coast. This is a very professional company and every person involved was excellent in every way. Strongly recommend them to all who read this review because you won't do better.
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Christie McCabe
a year ago
On time. Efficient. Friendly. Informative. Well priced. Our experience with Pest-Ex was easy from the moment Reception answered our call. Our routine...read more pest inspection could be done the next day (a Saturday which is most convenient for full time workers). Karl arrived at 7am with a smile to complete the service and carried out the work efficiently informing us of the process where required. Thanks team.
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Chris Burt
2 years ago
Very professional and able to identify our pest problem on the spot. Was on time and great communication with admin girls via...read more phone. Very conscious of keeping our pet safe after the treatment which was a classy touch. Highly recommend!
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Phill
6 months ago
Great people and always helpful and providing a good service.
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Lorrie Cruickshanks
a year ago
Thank you to Garyn who first identified the issues, he was extremely thorough and prompt and then to John and Janine and...read more the team who treated and area and placed the baits. The process was fully explained and they were extremely courteous and very professional. Thank you to all the team. The office also kept us up to date with when their representatives would be visiting and this is very much appreciated. Great work.
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Donna Hamerton
a year ago
After reading reviews, I'm glad that I chose Pest-Ex. Maria in the office was more than understanding to accommodate me and times....read more I was able to get a booking the same day I made the enquiry. Garyn my technician was even able to come earlier. When he arrived he was happy to explain everything that was going to happen and how to work around my pets and children. Need pest control done - hire these guys.
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Phoebe Worth
2 years ago
Impressed with the service. The technician Steve was on time, friendly and thorough - you could tell he was not rushing the...read more job. Will be using Pest-Ex again. Thanks guys!
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Mickey Ketch
a year ago
This company actually investigates the problem instead of just spraying your place and leaving. Very HIGH knowledge and experience in what they...read more do. They took the time to investigate the cause, the source of the problem and elimnated it completely which included going through every cupboard, cracks hiding spots the lot. We had a cochroach problem in our apartment for 3 months and we had 4 different companies come out and NONE of them investigated they only sprayed. After we called PestEx, Mr. Phillips was very knowledgeable and experienced eliminating our problem entirely. We also use PestEx in our shop and both Mr Phillips and Marty are EXCELLENT in resolving and maintaining pest problems. HIGHLY RECOMMEND PEST EX. BEST I'VE SEEN IN QUEENSLAND.