What Do White Ants Look Like? Easy Ways to Identify Termites Early
White ants, also known as termites, are quite destructive. They are wood-eaters who can wreak structural havoc long before the damage is visible. Termites are very similar to ants; their soft bodies and pale colours, along with straight antennae, are distinct. Understanding how to identify them early can protect your home from expensive damage.
Perth is a haven for termites as they love the heat and humidity of our city, especially with the horrible wooden structures and moisture to make their lives perfect. The sooner they are recognised, the better we can protect children from lasting damage.
How to Identify White Ants
White ants are distinct from ordinary ants:
Colour: Termites are light (nearly translucent) in colour.
Body structure: Termites have thick waists, while ants’ waists are narrow.
Antennae: Termites have straight antennae, ants are ½ bent.
Wings: The swarming termites have two identical-length wings.
You might see cast-off wings, wood with holes or mud tubes around your home if there’s activity.
Where Termites Commonly Hide
They hate light to start with and stay in damp, dark places. They often infest:
Under wooden floors and decking
Underneath the plinth run and gaps in the walls
In roof timbers and crawl spaces
Close to dripping taps, drains or where soil comes into contact with the edging
Food Inside, they find warmth, moisture and plenty of cellulose, their tried and true food source.
Why Termites Are a Major Risk
Termites weaken timber structures silently. By the time damage is apparent, infestations are usually heavy. They can diminish the value of your property, and damage can be costly to fix. In commercial buildings, however, that damage can create safety hazards and result in downtime.
How to Prevent and Treat Termites
Reduce moisture by fixing leaks and improving ventilation.
Remove wood debris and store firewood away from walls.
Seal cracks around foundations and pipe openings.
Schedule inspections with a licensed professional.
When to Call for Help
DIY treatments rarely kill a whole colony. Professionals have access to detection devices and safe termiticides that can penetrate deep nests for complete control.
Final Thoughts
White ants can cause massive damage if ignored. Early detection and prevention are essential for every Perth property.
Ace Termite Treatment Kalamunda offers all pest control services in Kalamunda and surroundings. Contact us at (08) 6275 6540 or visit:
🔗 https://acetermitetreatment.com.au/
