Key Takeaways
- Termites are social insects that feed on cellulose, which means timber, paper and plant matter.
- “White ants” is a common name only. Termites are not ants.
- Australia has more than 350 termite species, and about 20 of them damage buildings.
- Moisture and untreated timber near the ground are what draw termites to a home.
- A licensed inspection is the only reliable way to confirm termite activity.
What Are Termites?
Termites are insects that feed on timber and other cellulose-based products. In nature they recycle dead and rotting timber and other plant matter, and they are a food source for many animals. Some species, however, are domestic pests.
Australia has more than 350 termite species, but only about 20 of them damage buildings. Our termite control service covers termite activity across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Gladstone and Logan.
Are Termites the Same as White Ants?
No. “White ants” is a misleading name, because termites are neither white nor ants. They belong to a different insect order from ants, and the two are easy to tell apart once you know what to look for.
- Termites have a thick waist, while ants have a narrow, pinched waist.
- Termite antennae are straight and bead-like, while ant antennae are elbowed.
- Winged termites have two pairs of wings of equal length.
- Termite workers are pale and soft-bodied, and they avoid light.
Our guide to termites vs ants shows the differences side by side.
How Dangerous Are Termites?
Termite infestation and damage may be destructive to your home or property. Termites are often called “silently destructive”, secretly hiding and thriving in your house or yard without an indication of immediate damage.
All termites consume cellulose-based plant materials. Unfortunately, homes, whatever their type of construction, can provide cellulose food for a termite infestation.
Termite Warning Signs
Some termite infestations may give an indication. Look for these signs inside and around the house:
- Winged insects (alates) flying in or near your home, or discarded wings on window sills and floors.
- Termite droppings.
- A hollow sound when timber is tapped.
- Mud tubes or threads on outdoor walls, wooden beams, foundations or in crawl spaces.
- Doors and windows that start to stick, or sagging floors.
Termites work out of sight inside walls, subfloors and roof voids, so damage can be well advanced before any sign appears. Discarded wings are a useful clue, because alates shed their wings after landing.
How Do You Get a Termite Infestation?
Termites invade homes, travelling from their colonies through footings and gaps. Tubes and threads covering corners or gaps may hide termites inside. Homes are more at risk in these situations:
- Wooden structures, porches and decks in direct contact with the ground.
- Leaking taps, pipes or fittings, which create a constant water source.
- Wet soil near the foundations, including indoor plants sitting on pavers.
- Trees and shrubs planted close to the building.
What Do Termites Eat?
Termites feed on dead plants and trees. They seek out cellulose, an organic fibre found in wood and vegetable matter. Wood is the main food, but they may also eat paper, cardboard and other plant-based materials. Not all termites eat wood, and each type has its own dietary preferences.
- Subterranean termites nest in the soil and reach timber through mud tubes.
- Some termite species do not eat wood at all.
- The species that attack buildings need both timber and a source of water.
Termites are small, but their constant appetite can cause serious damage to houses, furniture, bookshelves and books, because all of them have nutritional value to termites.
Where Do Termites Live?
Usually, termites live in or near wood, especially when a tree has rotted and fallen to the ground. Habitats vary between species, because some termites need high humidity. Termites are found in tropical regions because the living conditions suit them, and they are found throughout Australia.
Subterranean species become building pests where a constant water source exists. Termite nests are usually formed on the ground, and they build tunnels to reach high-level food sources.
Reproduction
In warm, humid weather, termites breed and swarm. After landing, the pair lose their wings, become king and queen, and start a new colony. A queen can live for around 10 years, and for much longer in some species. Colonies are made up of several castes.
| Caste | Role in the colony |
|---|---|
| Queen and king | Lay eggs and found the colony |
| Workers | Gather food and build tunnels |
| Soldiers | Defend the colony |
| Alates | Fly out to start new colonies |
What Can I Do to Protect My Home?
Since termites are a constant threat to your home, it is critical that the professionals at Control Pest Management commence treatment immediately and set up a preventative maintenance program. A regular termite inspection is the best early warning.
Reducing moisture and removing termite food sources makes a big difference in preventing a problem. These simple steps make your home more likely to stay termite free.
Eliminate Moisture Problems
- Fix leaking taps, water pipes and air conditioning units.
- Divert water away from all foundations.
- Keep gutters and downpipes clean.
- Remove excess plant cover and wood mulch from against the walls.
- Seal gaps around water and utility lines and pipes.
Remove Termite Food Sources
- Remove wood or paper from foundations and crawl spaces.
- Remove debris near your home.
- Apply termite preventative treatments to the outside of the house. Our guide to the most effective termite treatment explains the options.
- Keep wood near the house from making direct contact with the ground.
Talk to a Licensed Termite Technician
Control Pest Management is an Australian-owned family business, and our technicians are licensed, fully insured and police checked. Our 376 Google reviews are rated Excellent. Ready to book? Request a free quote and we will arrange an inspection. Call 1300 357 246.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are termites in simple terms?
Termites are small social insects that feed on cellulose, found in timber and plant matter. They live in colonies with a queen, workers and soldiers. Of the more than 350 species in Australia, only about 20 damage buildings, but those can cause serious harm before anyone notices.
Why are termites called white ants?
People call them white ants because the workers are pale and the colonies look like ant nests. The name is wrong, since termites are neither white in most cases nor ants. They belong to a separate insect order, as the CSIRO explains.
How can I tell if I have termites?
Look for mud tubes, hollow-sounding timber, discarded wings and sagging floors or sticking doors. Many infestations show no outward sign, so a licensed inspection is the only reliable check. Our technicians inspect the roof void, subfloor and exterior, and explain what they find in plain terms.
What attracts termites to a house?
Moisture is the biggest draw. Leaking pipes, blocked gutters, damp soil and pot plants on pavers all help termites thrive. Timber in contact with the ground and stored wood under the house add food. Fixing leaks and keeping the foundations dry lowers the risk.
How long do termite queens live?
A termite queen can live for around 10 years, and for up to 20 years in some species. Over that time a colony can grow large and spread through a property, which is why early detection matters. Regular inspections are the best way to catch activity before it spreads.