What do white ants look like?
Index
What does a white ant look like?
What do white ants look like? White ants have a comparable size and body structure to black ants, typically measuring 4 to 10 mm in length. They are lighter in colour, usually appearing pale or light-coloured, ranging from creamy white to translucent. However, their heads may exhibit shades of brown or orange.
The physical composition of white ants often differs from that of ordinary black ants, displaying a more substantial or robust build. They have soft bodies and lack the distinct waist and elbowed antennae.
Given the existence of numerous white ant species in Australia, it’s crucial to approach the identification process with caution when dealing with a potential infestation in your home. It is possible for an insect that resembles a termite to be something else entirely, which means it’s important to seek the expert evaluation of a professional.
Want to find a local pest control specialist in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?
What are white ants?
White ants, commonly referred to as termites, are social insects belonging to the order Isoptera. Despite their name, they are not ants but rather a distinct group of insects with their own characteristics and behaviours. Termites live in large colonies and are organised into different castes, including:
- Workers,
- Soldiers, and
- Reproductive individuals (alates or swarmers).
Termites play a vital role in ecosystems as decomposers, breaking down dead plant material and recycling nutrients. However, their ability to feed on cellulose-rich materials like wood makes them destructive pests when they infest human-made structures.
You might like: How much does pest control cost?
How big are white ants?
White ants, also known as termites, can vary in size depending on their castes within the colony. Here are approximate size ranges for different termite castes:
- Workers: Workers are the smallest caste in a termite colony. They typically measure around 4 to 10mm in length.
- Soldiers: Soldiers are slightly larger than workers. They have specialised heads and mandibles for defence. Soldier termites can range from 6 to 12mm in length.
- Alates (Swarmers): Alates are the winged reproductive termites that participate in swarming flights to establish new colonies. They are generally larger than workers and soldiers. The size of alates can vary depending on the species, but they typically range from 10 to 20mm in length, including their wingspan.
These size ranges are approximate and can vary based on termite species and geographic location. Factors such as nutrition and environmental conditions can also influence the size of individual termites within a colony.
Want to find a local pest control specialist in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?
How to get rid of white ants
Want to know how to get rid of white ants? Termites or white ants are known for their ability to cause significant damage to wooden structures if left untreated. Therefore, early detection, prevention, and professional intervention are essential when dealing with termite infestations.
Here are the steps to take to effectively get rid of white ants (termites):
- Confirm the infestation and consult a professional pest control company.
- Professionals can employ various methods like chemical treatments, barriers, or fumigation.
- Schedule regular inspections to catch any re-infestations.
- Take preventive measures like fixing moisture sources and removing wood-soil contact.
- Seek professional assistance for a comprehensive approach to termite control.
You might like: How to prepare your home for pest control
White ant treatment
White ants treatment is best performed by a specialist. The most common method of white ant treatment involves the application of liquid termiticides. These chemicals form a barrier around the structure or enter the infested wood through direct injection. Termiticides kill termites that come into contact with them or they will carry the poison back to the colony, assisting in eradicating the infestation.
Termite bait stations may be strategically placed around the property. These stations contain slow-acting toxic baits that are carried by worker termites back to the colony, gradually eliminating the entire colony.
After the initial treatment, regular monitoring is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and detect any signs of re-infestation. Additional follow-up treatments may be required if termites persist.
Alongside white ant treatment, pest control experts may recommend preventive measures. These measures include improving ventilation, fixing leaks, removing wood-to-soil contact, and maintaining a termite-free zone around the property to minimise the risk of future infestations.
You might like: How to get rid of ants
Getting white ant treatment quotes
To get accurate quotes for white ant treatment, research local pest control companies specialising in termite treatment. It’s best to compare quotes from multiple companies. Be sure to provide plenty of details about your property and the suspected infestation of white ants.
Schedule on-site inspections to receive written quotes that outline the recommended treatment plan and costs. When choosing a pest expert, consider factors such as reputation, expertise, treatment methods, warranties, and overall affordability.
Want to find a local pest control specialist in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?