The typical Australian white ants are already a problem for many household owners. However, they are easier to exterminate and cause lesser property damages than what we call “white ants”.
So, what are Australian white ants?
Australian White ants or termites are the biggest threat to many homeowners. There are around 360 known species of white ants in Australia. They are silent invaders of our home that we fear.
Are Australian white ants and termites the same?
Yes. White ant is just another term for termites. Many use Australian white ants as a reference to their initial colour and behaviour.
Do termites look like ants close up?
Regular ants are easy to identify. They usually have long-dark coloured bodies depending on their species. And they have their elbowed antennae. Looking at them closely, you can easily see their eyes on the side of their head. Australian white ants or termites have lighter shades in colour. They are shorter, fatter, and have thick waists. Unlike regular ants, they don’t have eyes on their head.
Termites nest and signs on the wall?
Seeing mud tubes on walls is a sign of termite infestation. Termites usually create these tubes to travel back and forth to their source of food. Bubbling paints is another sign to look at. This happens because the wall becomes hollow and the moisture reaches the surface of the wall. Meaning the termites have eaten out the timber completely, leaving the thin paint behind.
What are the signs of Australian white ants in the house?
Even if Australian white ants or termites are silent invaders of houses, there are still visible signs that you may notice which can help in promptly calling for a termite inspection.
- Mud trails in the walls and joints of doors or windows
- Damaged timber
- Hollow sounds when tapping the walls
- Damp areas or moisture stains on walls
- Clicking sounds from the inside of the wall
- Sightings of discarded wings
- Soft floorboard
- Presence of “frass” or white ant droppings
- Hard to open doors or windows
Do black ants eat white ants?
The simple answer for this is YES. Black ants do eat white ants or termites, and they actually love them. But for the question if they do know how to get rid of white ants, the answer is NO.
Ants are smart. They know that totally getting rid of termites will mean losing their source of food. Plus, the fact that termites are great escapers. They will just move to a different location and start again.
How to get rid of white ants?
Once you’ve seen one or two signs of white ants, or you suspect that you have termites in your house, the first thing to do is to stay calm and don’t even try to disturb or investigate their location. Act immediately, especially if you don’t know how to get rid of white ants, by calling your trusted pest control service company. They will help you with termite identification and proper termite treatment.
What are Australian white ants and termite treatment?
What to do if you have Australian white ants in your home? Don’t ignore them.
Our best advice is to contact our trusted A1 Pest Control team immediately on 0407 065 413