HOUSE DAMAGED BY TERMITES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 24 January 1939, Page 9

HOUSE DAMAGED BY TERMITES

DISCOVERY AT AUCKLAND (United Press Association! AUCKLAND, 22nd January. 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. 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 £l5O had resulted. Because of the widespread havoc caused by subterranean termites in other countries, it is felt that the pests discovered in Auckland may present a serious menace. Termites are a family of insect? often, but erroneously, called white ants. 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 subterranean species is particularly destructive, though the damage it causes cannot be detected immediately, as it bores within the wood. NEST UNDER HOUSE 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 had 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, though he stated that the dry wood termite, a less destructive insect, has become fairly prevalent in recent years.