Do Termites like Merbau

Many of our customers want to know more about termites; after all, it’s important to “know your enemy”! This material should assist you with recognizing early termite activity and provide you with a better understanding of the typical termites found in Oztimber as well as the challenges pest professionals face when managing these species.

What exactly are termites?

Termites are “social insects,” living in colonies of up to a million people. Within the colony, many “castes” are responsible for the colony’s various duties. The termite queen lays the eggs, worker termites care for the larvae and forage, soldier termites guard the colony, and reproductive termites are the new kings and queens that fly out to create new colonies.

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Is there a difference between termites and white ants?

Termites are not ants, despite the fact that they are commonly referred to as “white ants.” Termites are actually more closely related to cockroaches. Cockroaches and termites, despite their appearance, have extremely similar body architecture and go through a similar molting process as they age. Cockroaches are great recyclers and will devour a huge quantity of decomposing plant material; any of the “bush” cockroaches, like termites, will consume wood.

1) Use termite-resistant wood.

A termite smart deck requires more than simply “termite resistant” timber. The best choices are termite-resistant natural timbers such as jarrah, blackbutt, ironbark, stringybark, or spotted gum. Merbau (from Asia) is another good option, but make sure it’s sourced responsibly.

Treated pine is another option. However, keep in mind that the treatment does not always penetrate all the way to the core of the timber, leaving an untreated core vulnerable to termites. Furthermore, while constructing a deck, builders routinely cut the ends of such timbers, exposing the untreated inner core and allowing termites free access.

It is crucial to understand that termite-resistant wood is only termite-resistant, not termite-proof, and that treated wood does not last indefinitely. As a result, certain architectural components are needed to keep termites at bay.

What is Merbau?

Merbau (pronounced MER-boo), also known as April, is a tropical wood commonly found in mangrove environments. The wood is exceptionally durable and resistant to weathering, rot, and termites since it is naturally oily and has a high tannin content. It has a deep reddish brown appearance with occasional yellow particles that contribute to its allure. Merbau’s popularity as a weather-resistant outdoor feature wood has resulted in its use in everything from decking to fencing.

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Is Merbau environmentally friendly?

Merbau is a problematic building material since its growth is not sustainable. Indeed, with current logging rates, the tree will become extinct within the next 35 years. The tree’s lengthy maturity rate, around 75-80 years, is critical in this, and individual trees are uncommon and difficult to come by even in Merbau-rich woodlands. As a result, logging Merbau without harming the environment is exceedingly difficult. This, however, does not pose a supply problem; this timber is still extensively accessible in the Australian market.

What is the objective of Merbau?

Merbau is predominantly used for decking and balustrades. Wood has a great finish, and its natural weather and termite resistance ensure that it lasts and looks well.

Advantages

Weather and termite protection are pre-installed.
Wood color differences are eye-catching and add to the aesthetic appeal.
Long-lasting and durable look.

When building anything with timber, one of the best decisions you can make is to use sturdy timber that is naturally termite-resistant. To keep termites at bay, you can also utilize human-treated wood in combination with physical barriers.

Contact OzTimbers at 0 466 987 833 or visit us in Melbourne for the best advice on timber quality, grade, and properties.