Until recently, the 'normal' course of action to eradicate termites was to place arsenic trioxide powder in their tunnels, or spray their nest with 'horror-show', organochlorine chemicals like Chlordane or Dieldrin in order to obliterate every single living being inside. Chlordane, Dieldrin, Heptachlor, etc, are 'persistent' - they remain an active hazard in the environment for many years. Similarly, please consider alternative building-materials that are unpalatable to fungus and borers as well as termites, and which may be better suited to the climate and weather 6 . It is the subterranean species of termite which are the most voracious devourers of woodwork in Australian buildings. Of these, the species Copta Termes does more than 90 percent of the damage.
Subterranean termites can live many hundreds of metres from a targeted dwelling.
They can then progressively mount their 'attack' by tunnelling many metres underground if need be. Softwoods are their most cherished food source, but they will eat many harder species which lie in their path. This Guide recommends constant vigilance and effective barriers as keys to successful termite control. Get proof of certification by the FSC , otherwise avoid using. See under Non Toxic Pest Management 2.