Harvester termites cut and carry grass underground, leaving bare or thinned patches in lawns, small heaps of loose soil around tiny holes, and short pieces of cut grass near the openings. They are most active on cool mornings and late afternoons. Treatment involves locating active nest openings and treating the colony, not just the surface.
How to tell if harvester termites are damaging your lawn
- Bare or thinned patches that spread over time
- Small piles of loose soil around little holes in the lawn
- Short pieces of cut grass near the openings
- Termites seen above ground collecting grass in the early morning or late afternoon
- Damage that gets worse in dry periods
Where are harvester termites common?
Harvester termites are widespread in the drier parts of the Western Cape, including the West Coast and Swartland, the Karoo, the Breede Valley and parts of the Winelands, and they also appear in suburban lawns in Cape Town.
How are harvester termites treated?
Effective treatment means finding the active openings and treating the colony so the termites carry the product into the nest. Surface sprays alone tend to have little lasting effect. Timing matters too: treatment works best when termites are actively foraging.
Frequently asked questions
Do harvester termites damage houses?
Harvester termites feed on grass and plant material rather than building timber, but they can destroy lawns and grazing. Subterranean termites are the main threat to buildings.
Will my lawn recover after treatment?
Yes. Once the colony is controlled, lawns usually recover with watering and feeding, though badly damaged patches may need reseeding or new turf.
When is the best time to treat harvester termites?
When they are actively foraging, typically in cooler parts of the day and after rain. A professional will time the treatment for best results.
Need help now? Cape Shield Fumigation offers termite treatment across Cape Town and the Western Cape. Call or WhatsApp 066 575 0079.