Do Microcerotermes Termites cause damage?

Attention homeowners! Are you aware of the destructive impact termites can have on your property? If not, it’s time to educate yourself about these tiny terrors that can wreak havoc on your home.

One of the most common termites found in South East Queensland is the Microcerotermes species. These smaller destroyers are often mistaken for other termite species but can cause significant damage to your home over time.

What makes Microcerotermes unique

What makes Microcerotermes unique is their ability to build both ground-mound nests and arboreal (tree) nests.

Ground mound nest

You might have seen their distinctive low knobbly mounds that take a similar colour to the surrounding soils. These can pop up in your garden; you will often see them in your local bush reserve.

Arboreal nest

Their arboreal (tree) nests are rough in appearance, with dangling stalactites that may serve as a cooling system. Also, you might have seen a Microcerotermes nest perched on top of a fence post, thinking it is a small tree. Once again, the nest colour will take on the colour of the surrounding soils.

Microcerotermes eat Gyprock!

While Microcerotermes termites typically feed on decayed or weather-damaged wood, they have a particular fondness for the cardboard lining on gyprock walls. If you notice small brown specks appearing from the wall or grooved-out indentations, you may have a Microcerotermes infestation.

Microcerotermes termites are hard to identify.

New Termite Inspectors are confused when distinguishing between the ‘small termites’, Heterotermes and Microcerotermes. Both are smaller than the other termites in Australia but look somewhat similar.

The Microcerotermes soldier has a rectangular head resembling Heterotermes, except for the presence of fine serrations on the inner margin of the mandibles (a feature upon which it was named).

Microcerotermes termites will typically feed on decayed or weather-damaged wood such as posts, poles and fences. But they can cause significant damage to structural timbers in a house, though the speed of damage is slower compared to the larger colony types like Coptotermes and Schedorhinotermes.

Microcerotermes are a threat to your home

While Microcerotermes aren’t the worst termites to have around your home, it’s still important to be aware of them and take measures to prevent infestations. Keeping a close eye on gyprock walls and treating any termite nests will help minimise potential damage to your valuable home.