Large social colonies
CSIRO notes that Coptotermes colonies can contain very large numbers of individuals. The colony includes reproductive termites, workers and soldiers, each with different roles.
SYDNEY TERMITE SPECIES GUIDE
Coptotermes acinaciformis
A widespread native subterranean termite that is important in Australian building protection and termite management.Why this species matters
Coptotermes acinaciformis is widely distributed across Australia. CSIRO describes Coptotermes species as wood feeders that form large colonies and may nest underground, in tree stumps, hollow trees, living trees or other protected locations. The Australian Museum identifies C. acinaciformis as an important destructive termite species in Australia.
That does not mean every termite found in Sydney is C. acinaciformis. A property should be assessed on the evidence present, and species identification should be based on appropriate diagnostic characteristics rather than an assumption from damage alone.
Protected nest sites
Nests may occur below ground or in protected timber-associated sites such as stumps and hollow or living trees. Australian Museum material also notes that this species can use spaces associated with buildings.
Soldier defensive secretion
CSIRO notes that soldiers of Coptotermes species produce a milky defensive substance when disturbed. This can be an identification clue, but it is not a substitute for a proper species determination.
Wood-feeding termite
Coptotermes species feed on wood and other cellulose-containing material. In a building context, concealed feeding can allow damage to progress before obvious external signs appear.
What a property owner may notice
Possible termite evidence can include live termites, shelter or mud-like workings, damaged or hollowed timber, discarded wings, or findings made during a building or termite inspection. None of these signs should be used by themselves to declare a species.
Colony development
Established termite colonies produce winged males and females. CSIRO describes these reproductive termites leaving the nest under suitable warm, humid conditions, pairing after flight and establishing a protected chamber in which the first eggs are laid. The early colony is small, but once its first workers and soldiers are functioning, the queen can devote more of her effort to egg production.
Do not disturb suspected activity unnecessarily.
If live termites are found in a building, spraying, opening large areas or breaking workings can change the evidence available during an inspection. Record what you can safely see and arrange an assessment.