The worlds most destructive drywood termite is being closely monitored after attacking homes in coastal Queensland. The West Indian Drywood Termite (Cryptotermes primus) has been declared a Notifiable Disease under the Diseases in Timber Act 1975 and any damage suspected of being caused by this species must be reported to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. According to the Department, 10 - 20 homes are fumigated in Queensland each year in an effort to control the West Indian Drywood Termite's presence.
This illustrates the threat posed by this termite species, which like many other termite species, works silently and hidden from view in skirtings, flooring and construction timbers. The West Indian Drywood Termite is also a winged species, which can render traditional ground based pest management systems impotent. Studies have proven that T2 Blue and T2 Red treated timber framing from Hyne Timber are impervious to this threat. No other treated timber product available in the Australian market can currently offer a guarantee against the West Indian Drywood Termite.
This is further evidence that termite resistant framing should be used in all new homes or renovations, with or without a barrier system, as per the NCC requirements. It is the only method to ensure that if your physical or chemical barrier system is breached, there is no damage to the most important part of your house; the structure. The low initial cost of treated framing gives guaranteed peace of mind against the West Indian Drywood Termite and the host of other recorded dangerous termites. So be sure to ask your builder for T2 Blue or T2 Red (if above the Tropic of Capricorn) framing when building or renovating.
For more information on the West Indian Drywood Termite, please visit the links below: