INSECT RAVAGES
DISCOVERY IN HOUSE
SPECIES OF TERMITE FEARED
The discovery of what are believed to be millions of subterranean termites has been made by a Mount Albert builder, Mr. A. Watson, under an Auckland suburban home, states the "New Zealand Herald." Floorboards of the house had been extensively affected by the ravages of the insects and from a superficial examination it was estimated that damage amounting to £150 had resulted. Because of the widespread havoc caused by subterranean termites in other countries, it is felt that- the pests discovered in Auckland may represent a serious menace. . .
Termites are a family of insects often, but erroneously, called white antg. Like the true ant, however, the termites are social insects, living in colonies and building large nests. They are found in many countries and grow to a very large size in South Africa. The subterreanean species is particularly destructive, although the damage it causes cannot be detected immediately,' as it bores within the wood. The insects discovered by! Mr. Watson were greyish-white and about a quarter of an inch long. They were discovered in a nest 18in high and about 2ft in diameter, the nest being grafted on to a joist beneath the flooring of the house. ■ After the manner of subterranean termites, the insects liad attacked many floorboards, eating out the inside of the, boards. All types of timber were given attention. On the surface the wood appeared to be in perfect condition, having no holes on the outside similar to those left by the borer. Through slight pressure by a finger, however, the' timber dented easily. With a view to establishing the identity of the insects, Mr. Watson intends sending samples to the Cawthron Institute at Nelson. In 26 years' experience in the building trade Mr. Watson has not come across any subterranean termites in New Zealand, although he stated that the dry wood termite, a less destructive insect has become fairly prevalent in recent years. ■
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19390123.2.20
Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 18, 23 January 1939, Page 3
Word Count
327INSECT RAVAGES Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 18, 23 January 1939, Page 3
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