Subterranean termites
Subterranean termites are soil-dwelling species causing most structural termite damage in Australia. Target of AS 3660; distinct from drywood termites.
Ask Chalkline about this →Subterranean termites are the soil-dwelling termite species responsible for most structural termite damage in Australia. They nest below ground in colonies of millions, foraging up to 100 m from the nest in search of cellulose (timber, paper-faced plasterboard, cardboard packaging). They are the target of the AS 3660 termite management system and the reason every Australian residential build needs a termite-management plan.
Why they matter
- Colony size: a mature colony can contain millions of individuals, with thousands of foragers active at any time.
- Foraging radius: typically 50 to 100 m from the nest; the foraging tunnels are invisible underground.
- Damage potential: in unprotected timber, a colony can hollow out structural framing in months. By the time visible damage shows, repair is structural.
- Concealment: subterranean termites avoid daylight and dry air. They build mud tubes to cross exposed surfaces while staying in their moist enclosed environment.
Subterranean vs drywood termites
| Subterranean | Drywood | |
|---|---|---|
| Nest | Underground, large colonies | Inside the timber, small colonies |
| Moisture | Needs ground contact for moisture | Self-contained, no soil contact |
| Distribution | Australia-wide | Localised (mostly tropical north) |
| Damage signal | Mud tubes on exposed surfaces | Fine timber-coloured “frass” pellets |
| Management standard | AS 3660 | Different management approach |
The AS 3660 framework is built for subterranean termites; drywood termites need a different control approach.
Species commonly affecting AU buildings
- Coptotermes acinaciformis: the dominant pest species across most of Australia. Highly destructive.
- Coptotermes frenchi: significant pest in coastal NSW and QLD.
- Schedorhinotermes intermedius: secondary pest in NSW, QLD, parts of NT.
- Mastotermes darwiniensis: the giant northern termite, the most destructive species in NT and northern WA. Bypasses some standard barriers.
For a builder
- Treat every site as termite-prone in the absence of a specific exemption. Most of the Australian mainland is mapped as termite-prone under AS 3660; the Tasmania-southern-VIC band is the main exception.
- Maintain the termite inspection zone at handover. A barrier alone doesn’t protect a building; the inspection regime does. Mud tubes are the visible diagnostic.
- Brief the owner on the annual inspection cycle. The post-build management responsibility transfers to the owner per AS 3660.2.
Category: Termite management.
Related
See also
Last updated: 2026-05-29. Verified: 2026-05-29. Quarterly review for currency.