A termite nest found in a roof void today. An elderly couple had found termites in the yard and were concerned. Thankfully this is not a particularly destructive termite species
I found a termite nest in a roof void today. The home was a lowset radiata pine (termite susceptible) framed brick veneer home on concrete slab, with a tiled roof. Being a 1987 construction, the home was most likely termite protected using an older organochlorine termiticide (most likely Aldrin), which if undisturbed, and installed properly in accordance with Australian Standards and labelled directions, have an expected protection period of 30 to 35 years. Sometimes the organochlorine termiticides perform longer.
Thankfully, the termite species is not a particularly destructive species, and structural damage is unlikely. The nest is live, and the walls below weren’t responding to a moisture meter (common with this termite species). Whilst not particularly destructive, this termite species becomes a treatment trigger when found within a home, as if these termites can gain access, so can the more destructive termite species.
In short, I’m pleased for the owners in this case. The outcome of this termite inspection could have been a lot worse had a more destructive termite been involved.
