Conehead Termites

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​A Growing, Destructive Threat

​Conehead termites, once commonly known as "tree termites," are an invasive species that poses a significant and growing risk to properties. These highly destructive insects have expanded their range and can inflict severe damage to homes, businesses, and other structures in surprisingly short order.

 

Conehead Termites, a Serious Pest?

​These are not your average subterranean termites; their behaviour and characteristics make them especially problematic:

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• Aggressive and Voracious: Conehead termites are rapid, aggressive feeders. They consume wood and other cellulose materials—such as fences, paper products, and accessible structural elements—at an alarming rate, causing rapid, costly damage.

• Widespread Colonies: They establish large underground colonies and are also notorious for creating highly visible satellite nests above ground. These nests can be found in trees, shrubs, or open ground, and are often noticeable as large, dark, ball-like structures of chewed wood and mud.

• Structural and Property Damage: While they may initially target non-structural elements like fencing or landscaping, their ability to cause extensive property damage makes them a major concern. Undetected infestations can rapidly lead to significant structural compromise and negatively impact property value.

 

Distinctive Features and Behaviours

​Identifying conehead termites is key to early detection and effective control. They have unique physical traits that set them apart from other species.

 

Soldier Termites​​

• Cone-Shaped Head: Their most defining feature is a dark brown, prominent cone-shaped head.

• Body Appearance: They have long, narrow, cream-coloured bodies. 

• High Percentage: Soldiers make up a significant portion of a conehead colony, making their presence more obvious than in other termite species.

 

Nests and Tunnels​

Unlike most other termites that primarily nest underground, coneheads often create highly visible above-ground structures. Their nests and tunnels, which resemble balls of chewed wood or mud tubes, are often built in trees, bushes, or grass, making them easier to spot than the signs of subterranean termites.

 

Prevention and Control​

Don't wait for visible damage. Proactive measures are essential to protect your property from these destructive insects.​

1. Regular Inspections: Schedule regular, thorough inspections of your property. Look for common signs of termite activity like mud tubes, discarded wings, wood damage, or the distinctive above-ground conehead nests.

2. Preventive Measures: Implement steps to reduce infestation risk, such as moisture control (fixing leaks, ensuring proper drainage) and creating wood-to-soil barriers.

3. Professional Treatment: If you suspect any termite activity, contact a qualified pest control professional immediately. They can conduct a detailed inspection and develop a customised treatment plan to effectively eradicate the infestation.

 

Do you have concerns about potential termite activity on your property, or have you noticed any of the distinctive cone-shaped nests?