What Do Termites Look Like in Australia?
Is the bug you saw at home a termite, a bed bug, a fly or something else? It’s all too common to mistake the appearance of termites for something else.
So, what do termites look like, really? Termites, also known colloquially as white ants even though they are not related to ants at all, are a common pest in Australia that can be difficult to identify. Due to Australia being known for being home to thousands of species of bugs, it can be difficult to distinguish them all.
But termites are one of the few you really want to be able to tell apart. Knowing what are termites, how to spot termites and the tell-tale signs of a termite infestation can make all the difference in avoiding damage (and costly repairs) to your property.
So, if you are reading this article because you would like to know what termites look like and stay informed, then keep reading for advice and explanation on how to best deal with them.
Our termite control in Melbourne specialists are here to share their expertise regarding what do termites look like in Australia and the different types of termites. We’ll be covering:
- What do termites look like and can we see them?
- Common termite species in Australia
- The termite lifecycle and caste system
- Signs of a termite infestation to look out for
- What are the different colours of termites?
- What to do if I see evidence of termites?
- Do termites fly?
- Should I have my house treated for termites?
What do termites look in Australia like and can we see them?
Yes. Termites look like chubby white ants, characterised by their soft, column-like bodies. Termites typically range between 4 and 6mm long depending on the species and caste of the termite. However, termites are known to be very secretive and live and feed inside timbers which they hollow from the inside without ever showing themselves to the outside world.
Termites have distinct physical characteristics that differentiate them from other pests. Here’s how to identify them:
- Size: Termites generally range from 4mm to 10mm in length, depending on the caste and species.
- Colour:
- Swarming Termites (Alates): Black or dark brown with wings.
- Worker Termites: Pale, white or creamy colour.
- Soldier Termites: Usually tan or light brown with a distinct large head and mandibles.
- Reproductive Termites: These can be dark brown or black with wings during the swarming phase.
They live and feed inside timbers which they hollow from the inside, without ever showing themselves to the outside world. However, the queen of a termite nest can live for a staggering 20 years – so you’ve got almost two decades to spot her if she’s living on your property!
So, homeowners seldom see termites but will more than likely see the damage they cause.
Common termite species in Australia
Australia is home to over 300 species of termites, but not all of them pose a threat to your home. Here are some of the most common and destructive termite species you should be aware of:
- Coptotermes acinaciformis: One of the most destructive termites in Australia, known for causing significant damage to timber structures.
- Coptotermes frenchi: This species is widespread in Australia and often found in urban areas, particularly in timber-framed homes.
- Cryptotermes brevis: A drywood termite species, it is capable of infesting furniture and other wood inside buildings.
- Schedorhinotermes intermedius: Common in coastal areas, this species can damage both timber and plant life, including fruit trees.
- Heterotermes ferox: Known for causing severe structural damage, these termites often thrive in warm and humid conditions.
The termite lifecycle and caste system
Another step to understanding what do termites look like in Australia is the termite lifecycle and the different castes within a colony is crucial for proper identification and treatment. Following the termite lifecycle and nest system:
- Eggs: Termite colonies begin with the queen laying hundreds or even thousands of eggs, which hatch into larvae.
- Larvae: The larvae develop into nymphs, and their role is determined by environmental factors and pheromones released by the colony’s queen and king.
- Nymphs: Nymphs mature into one of three main castes:
- Workers: These termites are responsible for gathering food, building tunnels, and maintaining the colony.
- Soldiers: These termites protect the colony from predators and threats. They have larger heads with powerful mandibles.
- Reproductive (Swarmers): These winged termites are responsible for mating and establishing new colonies.
- Queen: The queen is the heart of the colony, laying thousands of eggs daily. She can live for many years, producing new termites and sustaining the colony’s growth.
- King: The king supports the queen by helping care for the colony’s young and ensuring the colony’s expansion.
Signs of a termite infestation to look out for
Termites are secretive creatures and often go unnoticed until they cause significant damage. Here are some common and early warning signs of termites to watch for:
- Mud Tubes: Termites build mud tubes along walls, beams, or foundation points. These tubes are used to travel between their nest and food source while avoiding light. However, they do not make holes, they leave the skin of the timber intact. Holes are associated with wood borers that generally do not need treatment, though it’s easy for people to mistake other pests for termites.
- Frass (Termite Droppings): If you see small, dark particles around wooden surfaces, it may be frass, a sign of drywood termite activity.
- Hollow-Sounding Wood: Tap wooden structures in your home— hollow sounds of a termite can indicate they have eaten through the wood, leaving only the outer shell.
- Swellings in Wood: Moisture from termites can cause wood to swell. This is particularly noticeable in floorboards or timber within building cavities. Please note, that termites do not make dust and small piles of loose grit (called ‘frass’) left on surfaces inside the home are commonly associated with black ants, not termites.
- Discarded Wings: Swarming termites shed their wings after finding a mate. Finding wings around windowsills or doors is a clear sign of a termite infestation.
What are the different colours of termites?
You can find three different types of termites based on the similarity of their appearance and their colour alone!
Black termites
Black termites are normally swarming termites. They’ll develop wings to leave the colony and fly to a new location (such as your home!) to establish a new one. You’re more likely to spot them during the reproductive months, in late spring and early summer.
White termites
White termites, often labelled as ‘white ants‘ are the working termites in the colony. Generally, you’ll only see them if you disrupt their mud tubes, as they’re typically found busy inside wooden timbers (and causing the damage!)
Brown (amber) termites
Brown termites can take on both reproductive and soldier roles, meaning it’s their job to establish new colonies, or protect an existing one. Since they don’t work inside the nest like white termites do, you’re more likely to notice them around your house.
Furthermore, termites are often confused with other insects, especially ants. Here’s how you can tell the difference between ants vs termites:
- Termites have straight antennae and a broad waist, while ants have bent antennae and a pinched waist.
- Termites have two pairs of wings of equal size, whereas ants have wings of different lengths.
What to do if I see evidence of termites?
If you are still curious as to what do termites look like or more importantly suspect a termite infestation, do not disturb the colony. Avoid spraying them with insecticides as this can cause them to retreat and spread to other parts of your property. Here’s what you should do:
- Call a Professional: Contact Termite Specialist Control for a proper inspection and identification of the infestation.
- Avoid DIY Treatments: Using over-the-counter sprays or baits may be ineffective and only delay professional treatment.
- Termites cannot be poisoned if they’ve been scared away. Sooner or later, they will come back or attack another spot on your property.
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Even if you don’t see termites, it’s important to have regular inspections, especially in high-risk areas.
Do not worry – all infestations can be destroyed.
But the best thing to do is to keep in mind, what attracts termites to your home and more importantly to contact a termite specialist expert, who can advise you on the immediate steps to take, and arrange a thorough inspection.
Do termites fly?
Yes, Reproductive termites (alates) develop each year and grow wings, eyes and a dark colour. Australia’s most damaging termite is of the genus Coptotermes. These alates fly all across Melbourne every October and early November. They are common in all Melbourne suburbs and even in urban and industrial areas. They usually fly in the early evening of a warm and humid day and are often mistaken for moths or flies.
Other species of termites fly throughout the summer, right through the season to March. The reproductive flying termites are normally the only type of termite caste that homeowners can see because the feeding termites (workers) are always concealed within timbers or underground.
Furthermore, if your home is being attacked by termites, even if you do not know it yet, reproductive termites can fly from timbers inside your home. Large numbers of flying termites can quickly appear which can be very upsetting for residents, who may not understand what the insects are or how they have suddenly appeared inside the house.
If this happens, please ensure you:
- Close all internal doors and windows.
- Turn off the inside lights and turn on any outside lights, so the termites fly to the windows. They won’t be able to escape and will die in a matter of hours.
- If reproductive termites fly from your internal timbers, it means there are termites in the building. You should call a termite specialist immediately.
Should I have my house treated for termites?
Many homes in Melbourne and the surrounding regions of Greater Victoria have protection from termites built into the home during the construction process, such as those built in termite-designated council areas. However, homes in undeclared council areas are more likely not to have protection built in, and most home insurance policies don’t cover signs of termite damage.
Both protected and unprotected homes should be inspected for termites at least every 12 months to comply with AS 3660.2, and probably also to comply with product specifications.
A reputable termite inspector should provide you with individual and balanced advice suited to your home. This may involve addressing the risk factors and vulnerable areas (such as high garden beds or poor ventilation) that increase the likelihood of termite presence in your home. Learn from our preventative termite tips and or look towards a protective treatment for your property that we may also recommend.
Termite Identification – What Do Termites Look Like?
Now that you know what do termites look like, you should be able to detect these little critters in and around your property easily enough, or to at least spot the telltale signs of a termite affliction.
But take it from our termite experts here at Specialist Termite Control – you don’t want to wait until you’re absolutely certain before you take the necessary steps towards mitigating your insect infestation.
If you suspect that you may have a termite colony in your home or wish to know what do termites look like, then we recommend you use our free online termite assessment tool right away. If your test results reveal that your property could be experiencing a termite infestation, then be sure to contact our team at Specialist Termite Control at 1300 695 949 today to secure your free, no-obligation at-home termite assessment.
From there, we’ll be able to provide you with a quote for our termite inspection services and talk you through our various termite treatment plans.
