White ants, also known as termites, are one of the most destructive pests and can cause some serious damage to wooden furniture and your overall house. These annoying insectscan destroy the majority of roof and wall framing structural timbers within a couple of months of construction.
Therefore, it is essential to identify them and get rid of them with the help of seasoned professionals. But do you know what do white ants look like? In this blog, you will find all the important information about white ants. That will help you to protect your house and furniture.
Let’s have a look.
What Are White Ants?
White ants, commonly known as termites, are infamous pests capable of rapidly chewing through wood and causing severe damage to homes. Australia is home to approximately 360 species of termites, though most do not pose a threat to human dwellings. However, the destructive varieties can remain hidden within walls, floors, underground, or even inside trees, silently compromising the structural integrity of your home.
If left untreated, a white ant infestation can lead to significant property damage. Managing these pests requires a safe and controlled approach by a professional exterminator. Attempting to handle them improperly may disturb the colony, triggering defensive behaviour and making the situation worse.
What Do White Ants Look Like?
White ants, or termites, resemble black ants in shape and size, typically measuring between 4 to 10 mm in length. However, unlike black ants, they have a lighter coloration, ranging from white to cream, with some species featuring brown or orange heads. Their bodies also tend to be bulkier and thicker than those of regular ants.
Given the wide variety of termite species in Australia, accurately identifying an infestation is crucial. Not every insect that appears termite-like is actually one, which is why seeking expert analysis is highly recommended. A professional assessment ensures the correct identification and appropriate treatment, preventing unnecessary damage or ineffective pest control measures.
When Is White Ant Season?
White ant season, often referred to as “White Ants Australia,” occurs during the warmer months, particularly in summer, when termites thrive and multiply. As their population grows, swarms of termites leave their colonies in search of new nesting sites and food sources—this is when your home becomes most vulnerable to an invasion.
Certain species, such as drywood termites, are known to swarm later in the summer, increasing the risk of infestation. However, even outside the peak season, it’s essential to regularly inspect your home’s timber structures. Termite damage can go undetected for months, so staying vigilant year-round can help prevent costly repairs and structural issues.
What Are the Risks?
Here are the risks if you have white ants in your house.
- Easy Entry & Undetected Spread: White ants can enter through tiny gaps as small as 2mm, including cracks and expansion joints. They have even been known to chew through rubber seals.
- Hidden Infestation: Once inside, the white ants move unnoticed through walls, beneath floors, and other concealed areas, making early detection difficult.
- Costly Repairs: Without a termite management plan, homeowners risk severe damage. Many insurance policies do not cover termite-related repairs, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
- Electrical Damage: In their search for warmth, white ants can chew through electrical insulation, potentially causing power failures.
- Ideal Living Conditions: White ants thrive in humid environments between 25°C and 35°C, making homes an attractive target.
- Warning Signs of Infestation:
- Mud tunnels
- Sagging floors
- Misaligned or dropping doors
- Cracks in paint or plaster
- Beyond Structural Damage: Termites can also destroy furniture, fabrics, soft plastics, and foam insulation.
Where Can White Ants Be Found?
White ants aren’t just limited to homes—they can also be found in nearby trees, old stumps, railway sleepers, improperly discarded building materials, and moisture-rich areas like those near leaking hot water systems. These pests build nests and travel up to 100 metres in search of cellulose, a substance commonly found in timber. Unfortunately, this often leads them straight to the wooden framework of homes.
While white ant infestations are common in urban areas due to their attraction to established homes, new developments are not immune. Even freshly built properties can become targets if the right conditions exist, making termite prevention and management essential for all homeowners.
Signs of a White Ant Infestation
White ants are skilled at staying hidden, often tunnelling through wood from the inside while leaving the outer surface intact. However, there are numerous signs that indicate their presence inside house.
- Hollow-Sounding Timber: While your home’s timber may look fine on the outside, termites often tunnel through it internally. Tapping on the affected wood can produce a hollow sound.
- Termite Swarms After Rain: Some termite species require humid, damp soil to survive. After a heavy, humid storm, you might spot swarming termites moving in search of new nesting sites.
- Discarded Wings: Higher-ranking termites, known as alates, have wings that they shed once they establish a new colony. Finding small, discarded wings around your home could be a red flag.
- Suspicious Dirt Piles: White ants sometimes leave behind small mounds of dirt near your home’s perimeter. These could be entry points or signs of tunnelling activity.
Regular inspections and early detection are important to prevent costly damage caused by white ants.
Take Away
If you want to protect your property from white ants, you need to know what do termites look like in Australia. The above-mentioned information about the destructive insects will help you to understand the pest, which in turn will help you deal with it. If you want to get rid of the white ants effectively and in a hassle-free manner, get in touch with the experienced professionals. They will give you the best possible result.