Since ants and termites appear to be similar burrowing insects, you may think that eradicating them is done in the same way. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Ants and termites require very different approaches to eliminate them from your home or business.
In this blog, we will uncover the differences between termites and ants and will explain the different treatments that can be used for each.
Biological Differences: Diet and Nesting Behaviour
Anatomy
Ants have a distinct, constricted waist between their abdomen and thorax. Meanwhile, termites have a thicker waist. This anatomical difference impacts how particular treatments are absorbed.
Biology
Ants are insects, whereas termites are closely related to cockroaches.
Dietary Habits
Ants and termites eat very different things. Termites primarily feed on cellulose found in wood. Ants, on the other hand, feed on items containing protein, sugars and fats.
Colony Structure and Behaviour
Termite colonies are typically hidden in wood or in underground nests. Consequently, termite workers are rarely seen above ground. Ants often forage outside for food and are commonly seen out in the open.
Vulnerability to Moisture and Environment
Termites require moisture to survive. Additionally, they avoid open air and build mud tubes for safe travel. Ants are more resilient, allowing them to survive in various environments.
Termites: Focus on Soil Barriers and Colony Elimination
To tackle termites, treatment zones and structural treatments are the most effective methods.
The best treatments either attack their cellulose food source or use liquid termiticides applied to the soil foundation.
Termite treatments include:
Chemical Barriers
Chemical barriers are applied to the soil around the foundation of the building. These either repel the termites or are slow-acting, deadly chemicals that the termites carry back to the colony.
Termite Bait Systems
Slow-acting poisonous wood and paper bait are placed in the soil or around the building. The termites then carry this back to the colony, slowly eliminating the colony.
Fumigation (Tenting):
In severe cases, professionals encase the property in a tent. A gas is then released to treat all wood and eliminate the termites.
Wood Treatments
Sprays, foams and dusts are directly applied to infested wood.
Ants: Focus on Targeted Baiting and Perimeter Spraying
Ant elimination treatments often focus on slow-acting poisonous food sources that the ants carry back to the colony.
Treatments include:
Non-repellent sprays
These are applied as a treatment zone. Ants cannot detect this chemical and carry it back to the nest. Due to its poisonous nature, this chemical then kills off the colony.
Ant Baits
Bait is put out with slow-acting toxins. The bait is taken back to the colony, leading to nest elimination.
Insecticide Dusts
Dust is placed in cracks, wall voids, and crevices for long-lasting control.
Targeted Sprays
These kill visible ants effectively.
Applying the Wrong Treatment: The Risk to Your Property
Using the wrong treatment or DIY treatments can:
- Ineffectively Control the Infestation: If you do not use treatment that targets the biology or behaviour of the pest, the colony will continue to thrive.
- Worsen the Infestation: Rather than repelling pests, you may scatter them into new or hard-to-reach areas.
- Structural Damage: When it comes to termites, you may risk further damage to your property.
This is why calling in the professionals is important.
Control Pest Management can handle both termite and ant inspection and treatments for home and commercial buildings. Contact us on 1300 357 246, info@controlpestmanagement.com.au or fill in the form on our Contact page.