What Do Termites Look Like?

For many properties, termite infestations can be deadly. If this goes unnoticed it can cause major property damage. From compromising its structural integrity, to costly repair bills.

A common question asked by homeowners is "what do termites look like?" At Knockdown Pest Control, we've provided an easy to read guide addressing what these pesky critters look like and how to detect them if you can’t see them. We cover everything from the general signs, to the most common Australian termite species. So you can have peace of mind, when you know the signs of an infestation.

What is a termite?

Let’s first define what a termite is. Termites are insects that are commonly known to feed on wood. This is because they're attracted to the cellulose found within it. Which unfortunately means that properties with wood structures are commonly targeted.

A termite colony consists of workers, soldiers, and other roles focused on reproductive purposes. You'll find that the insect's width varies from a quarter to half an inch.

Like ants, this insect is known to breed fast. This is because the termite queen (breeder of the colony) lays thousands of eggs at a time.

In fact, this similarity also falls to their appearance. Termites and ants look pretty similar, that they have been given the colloquial name ‘white ants’ by many unhappy property owners. ‘Termite’ is the term used by pest controllers, as it is the scientific name.

How do you tell a termite apart from ants?

The termite's appearance makes it easy to confuse for an ant. This is because they have very similar characteristics, from the colony size to activity.

We’ve broken these down for you below:

Body Structure: Termites have a soft body that is light brown to white in colour. This looks like they don't have segments, unlike the pinched waist of ants. This gives the illusion that there's only a head and a body attached.
Antennae: Their antennae are straight and beaded, you may notice a little bend towards the end. In comparison, the ant has an elbowed antennae.
Wings: Termites for reproduction have two pairs of wings that are the same length. On the other hand, you'll find that ants have two front wings that are longer.

Here’s a Closer Look

Recapping Key Differences (termites vs ants)

Termites	Ants
Soft, unsegmented; light brown/white	Segmented with a pinched waist
Straight with a slight bend	Elbowed
Two pairs, equal length	Front wings longer than hind wings

Identifying Common Australian Termites

Australia is home to many termite species, some more destructive than others. These are otherwise known as subterranean termites. If you're wondering, "What do termites look like in Australia?" The truth is, these range in sizes, forms, colours to the general body structure.

Recognising this will help you to understand the infestation level of risk.

See these types of termites below:

Coptotermes

These are known as the most destructive breed of termites. When entering a property they take a more aggressive approach. If disturbed, they'll even bite causing injury.

To recognise this, look for a 5.8mm length (size of a grain of rice.) It has a pear shaped head and the length of the body is white in colour. They have a defence mechanism called “Exudate.” This is where a white liquid is elicited from the “Fontanelle” (The head front.)

When it comes to securing their prey, they use this substance to capture them. Alongside this, it deters their predators such as cockroaches, crickets and centipedes.

Schedorhinotermes

Notorious for preying on wooden properties, this species can cause serious property damage. They are the second most damaging species of termite in Sydney. To spot Schedorhinotermes termites, look for a head that transitions from pale to dark brown.

These are also two forms of soldiers (major soldiers and the smaller minor soldiers). The main difference between the two is head size. The major soldier has a bulbous head ranging from 5 to 7.5mm, on the other hand the smaller one has 3 to 5.5mm.

Nasutitermes

These are known as the more recent termite species. The easiest way to identify this is by looking for a darker colour. They also have unique nesting habits by building these in trees. Its size is a little larger than a grain of rice at 4.2mm.

If you're located in a colder climate, you're more likely to be exposed to these. You may also notice that the snout is more pointy.

Heterotermes

These timber termites are found in many spaces, from your fences to decks. Unlike Schedorhinotermes which have a circular head, they have rectangular ones.

Their body structure is also characterised by a cigar shape that's 4.75mm. All while maintaining a white colour through the length of their body. The jaws (otherwise known as the mandible) of the soldiers are always darker.

Mastotermes

To spot a Mastotermes fast, think of a cockroach like appearance. This is because of their darker colour and elongated bodies. Alongside this, they have a size of 12.25mm which is larger than average.

Also similar to Coptotermes, they are heavily destructive; however, they prey on timber instead. This means that they can cause serious property damage.

The Early Signs of an Infestation

It's important to know some of the signs in the early stages. This is so you can avoid the infestation from escalating further. Which in turn can cause a major safety and health hazard for your space.

Look out for the following signals:

Hollow-sounding Wood: To test this, tap on wood and listen carefully. If it has a hollow sound then you may have termite activity.
Tight-fitting Doors and Hard-to-Open Windows: If you've noticed that these are slower to operate, you may have an infestation.
Spotting Frass (Termite droppings): This looks like small piles of sawdust around your home.

Are You Faced with Termite Damage?

In the event that you're faced with termite damage, turn to a professional right away. These pests are destructive in nature, causing damage fast. The expert should be able to determine the right treatment plan. Depending on your infestation needs, you may have two different options.

A baiting system can be installed to attract pests, this lures them from your home. For a more powerful option, chemical barriers can be used for a treated zone around the home.

Turn to Knockdown Pest Control

The first step to an effective treatment is finding the right pest controller. At Knockdown Pest Control, we've serviced many homes and offices Sydney-wide, providing hassle-free termite solutions that combat any infestation. This is regardless of whether it's small or large scale.

We're trained to handle all infestations with complete care. This is so your space can be pest free for longer. This provides the assurance of a termite free household or workplace.

FAQS

How can I prevent termites on my property?

Similar to other pests, these are best avoided with the right maintenance. See how you can prevent this:

A Yearly Termite Inspection: Have an inspection to ensure that you catch the signs early on.
Reduce Moisture: Make sure that your home is well ventilated, all while keeping moisture-heavy areas dry.
Remove Wood Debris: Keep woodpiles and debris away from the foundation of your home.