Many homeowners in Perth hear the term “white ants” and assume they are different from termites. The truth is, white ants and termites are the same. The term “white ants” is just a common name for termites because of their pale appearance. However, termites are not ants at allโthey belong to a completely different insect group and are one of the most destructive pests for homes in Australia. If youโre facing an infestation, approaching a pest control company that offers ant pest control in Perth ensures long-term protection for your home.
Are White Ants and Termites the Same?
Yes! White ants are simply another name for termites. Unlike regular ants, termites belong to the Isoptera group and have completely different habits, body structures, and diets. While ants are often just a nuisance, termites can silently destroy the wooden structures of your home.
Despite the nickname, termites are not ants at all. The confusion arises because termites look similar to some ant species, especially their worker forms, which are light-coloured.
How to Tell the Difference Between White Ants and Regular Ants?
If you spot small, pale insects around your property, itโs important to know whether youโre dealing with termites or ants. Hereโs how to tell them apart:
Body Shape: Termites, also known as white ants, have a straight, cylindrical body with no visible waist, while ants have a more segmented appearance with a distinct pinched waist.
Antennae: Their antennae also differโtermites have straight, bead-like antennae, whereas ants have bent or elbowed antennae.
Wings (If Present): Another key distinction is in their wings, particularly in flying varieties. Flying termites, or alates, have two pairs of wings that are equal in size, whereas flying ants have a front pair of wings that is noticeably larger than the back pair.
Colour: Additionally, termites tend to be pale, ranging from creamy-white to light brown, while ants are generally darker, appearing in shades of brown or black.
Recognising these differences is essential in determining the best course of action. If you are dealing with regular ants, general pest control measures may be sufficient. However, if you identify termites, immediate professional termite control Perth is crucial to prevent structural damage to your
Why Are Termites a Bigger Problem Than Ants?
Regular ants might invade your home for food, but they donโt destroy its structure. Termites, on the other hand, feed on wood and can cause severe structural damage to homes and buildings.
Hereโs why termites are a bigger concern:
- They work silentlyโoften causing damage before you even notice them.
- A single colony can contain millions of termites, all working together to eat through timber.
- Termites never sleep, meaning they are active 24/7.
- Insurance does not cover termite damage, leading to costly repairs.
Signs of a Termite (White Ant) Infestation
Since termites hide inside walls, floors, and wooden structures, spotting them early can be difficult. However, there are some warning signs you should watch for:
- Hollow-sounding wood โ If you tap on wooden beams or floors and they sound hollow, termites may have eaten through the inside.
- Mud tubes on walls or foundations โ These tiny tunnels help termites travel and retain moisture.
- Soft or damaged wood โ Wood that crumbles easily or feels weak could be termite-infested.
- Piles of wings โ Flying termites shed their wings after swarming, leaving behind small piles near windows and doors.
- Droppings (frass) โ Termite droppings look like tiny, dark wood pellets and may be found near infested areas.
If you notice any of these signs, pest inspection in Perth should be your next step to confirm whether termites are present.
How to Protect Your Home from White Ants (Termites)?
The best way to deal with termites is through prevention. Hereโs how you can safeguard your home:
- Book Regular Termite Inspections
Regular termite inspections in Perth are essential. Professional pest controllers can detect early signs of an infestation before major damage occurs. Itโs recommended to have your home inspected at least once a year.
- Reduce Moisture Around Your Home
Termites thrive in damp environments. Fix leaking taps, pipes, and drainage issues to eliminate excess moisture that attracts termites.
- Remove Wood Near Your Homeโs Foundation
Store firewood, wooden debris, and mulch away from your house to reduce termite access points. If you use wood for landscaping, choose termite-resistant materials.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps
Termites can enter through tiny cracks in your walls or foundation. Sealing these gaps helps prevent an infestation.
- Invest in Professional Termite Treatment
If termites are already present, DIY solutions wonโt work. Professional ant removal in Perth includes advanced baiting and chemical barriers that eliminate termites and prevent future infestations.
Why Choose Professional Termite Control in Perth?
While some homeowners try DIY termite treatments, they rarely work because they only kill surface termites, not the entire colony. Professional termite control in Perth provides:
- Accurate identification โ Experts determine the extent of the infestation.
- Effective treatments โ Baiting systems, chemical barriers, and direct applications to eliminate termites.
- Long-term protection โ Preventative measures to stop future infestations.
For expert termite inspection in Perth, working with a trusted professional can save your home from costly damage.
If you have heard the term white ants, now you know that they are actually termitesโone of the most destructive pests in Perth. Unlike regular ants, termites eat wood and cause significant damage to homes, making professional pest control essential.
Need expert help? Ants Pest Control Perth offers reliable termite inspections, ant treatment, and complete pest control solutions to keep your home safe. Call us today at 08 62444282 for an inspection!
