Homeowners around Campbelltown often ask whether the termites they’ve spotted are the ‘dangerous’ subterranean type or a less serious drywood species. The answer matters — treatment is completely different, and one of the two is almost non-existent locally.

Subterranean termites (Coptotermes, Schedorhinotermes, Nasutitermes)

These are the species that cause 95%+ of structural damage in NSW. They nest in soil (or in old tree stumps), build mud tubes, need constant moisture contact and can travel 50 metres or more to reach a food source — your home. Coptotermes acinaciformis is the most destructive species we treat across Macarthur.

Drywood termites (Cryptotermes)

Rare in the Sydney basin, and effectively never established in Campbelltown. They live entirely inside dry timber, don’t need soil contact, and are usually only found in imported furniture or old timber shipped in from northern NSW or Queensland.

How to tell them apart in five minutes

• Mud tubes on brickwork, piers or the slab edge = subterranean, guaranteed
• Small pellet-like frass droppings inside a piece of furniture = possibly drywood
• Swarming winged termites in spring/early summer = almost always subterranean
• Hollow-sounding skirting boards, architraves or door frames = subterranean
• Blistered paint on interior walls with no other cause = subterranean workings

Book a Campbelltown or Macarthur inspection

If either termite species is a concern at your Campbelltown, Ingleburn, Glen Alpine, Rosemeadow, Leumeah, Bradbury, Ambarvale, Airds, Ruse or Kentlyn property, our licensed local team can help. Same-day service where possible, fixed pricing before we arrive and a full written report every visit.