What is Timber Decay?

Timber decay is caused by a biological attack on the wood by certain species of fungi. The fungal spores lie dormant in the timber for years until the right conditions present themselves. The conditions needed are moisture or dampness and nutrients, with moisture being the critical component. If moisture is not present in timber, then the fungi will remain dormant, even when the nutrients they require are abundant.

How do I stop decay in timber?

1. Keep or prevent the timber from getting wet.
2. Use pre-treated timber products such as treated pine or durable hardwood species in problem areas.
3. Apply remedial or aftermarket timber preservatives to prevent decay or kill existing decay in problem areas.
4. Apply a timber finish or surface coating to minimise the exposure to moisture.

Contact the Timber Hotline for further information.

Termite attack

Termite attack is the most common cause of insect attack on timber in Australia. A common misconception is that a termite is an ant. It is in fact a type of cockroach. If your property has been attacked by termites, then it is important that you consult a certified, licensed pest controller. The pest controller will:

• Correctly identify the termite species.
• Determine the extent of attack.
• Determine the best cause of treatment to eradicate the colony.

How do I identify termite attack?

• Noise of termites eating timber.
• Appearance of “white ant” workers or soldiers.
• Earthen packing inside walls or on timber surfaces.
• Timber excavation where the timber is hollow.
• Flight holes where the alates exit to start a new colony.
• Unusual odour caused by some species of termites.

Contact the Timber Hotline for further information.

Insect Attack

Apart from Termites, timber can be attacked by other insects in Australia. The most common insect pests are beetles (also known as borers). There are three types of borers in Australia:

• Pinhole borer
• Furniture beetle
• Powderpost beetle

How do I identify beetle (borer) attack?

• Leaves a tell tale pinhole on the surface and cavities in the timber.
• Dust around holes
• Discolouration around holes
• Can have discoloured holes

Contact the Timber Information Service for further information

1800 688 278