A device that hears termites chew

Scientists have come up with a new wireless device which they claim can detect the presence of termites by "hearing" them chew through timber.

Scientists have come up with a new wireless device which they claim can detect the presence of termites by "hearing" them chew through timber.

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A team at Edith Cowan University says that the sensitive device called wireless smart probe (WiSPr) network for acoustic detection is also capable of locating termite activity in timber bridges and wooden power poles.

And once detected the device can immediately send an SMS or email to a pest control firm - with the termites GPS location - so they can take appropriate action to protect the property.

The developers are looking to commercialise the device in the next 12 months in Australia.