Termites and mud-daubing wasps are major agents of damage to rock paintings in Australia. A survey of damage to rock art in the Koolburra Plateau near Laura in north Queensland, where damage by termites predominates, is described. The basics of termite biology are outlined in order to understand the nature of the problem and the rationale for the measures suggested for its amelioration. Damage from some species of termite can be considerably alleviated by a series of simple conservation measures, in particular removal of the termites' nests. A brief appendix follows, describing the wasp problem at Koolburra and possible remedies.