White ants in your home?

White ants – also called termites, are tiny terrors that can wreak havoc on your home's foundation and wallet if they’re not found and treated quickly. But before you panic, let's demystify these awful creepy crawlies and outline some helpful information about preventing them from becoming unwanted house guests in your home.

What do white ants look like?

Imagine tiny, pale-coloured ants with small waists and straight antennae. That's pretty much what white ants look like. They're usually between 6-12mm long and often come in shades of cream, brown or even a blackish colour, depending on the species and the area of Australia you live in. Remember that the worker termites – the ones you're most likely to encounter, are wingless, so if you see flying white ants around your home, it's time to call the professionals (we explain why below).

Do white ants fly?

Yes, but they only take flight at a specific stage of their lives. Swarmers (winged reproductive termites), take to the air to establish new colonies. Seeing them around your home is a big red flag and tells you they’re looking for a new home and a potential infestation nearby, and let’s face it, that’s never good news.

How to tell if you have white ants

Here are some telltale signs that you may have a white ant problem in your home:-

• You see mud tubes: These look like pencil-thin, brown tunnels that will run up walls or along foundations.
• You find hollow-sounding wood: Tap on wooden beams, floors or furniture and listen carefully to the sound they make. A hollow sound could mean termites have munched their way through the inside and left it hollow.
• You see swarmers: Seeing multiple winged termites, especially near windows or doors, is always a definite warning sign.
• You find droppings: Tiny, pellet-like droppings near air vents or baseboards can often be termite leftovers.

White ant infestation – what to do

If you suspect you may have an infestation, don't panic! Here's what to do:-

• Stop the spread: It’s always a good idea to seal up any cracks or gaps in your home's exterior that could serve as entry points for white ants.
• Minimise moisture: Fix any leaky pipes and address any damp areas around your foundation. Termites thrive in moisture, so fix anything that’s leaking or dripping water around your home.
• Seek professional help: A licensed pest control professional can accurately assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.

Remember, early detection is key to ensuring your home isn’t extensively damaged by these pests, so be vigilant for the signs mentioned above. A proactive approach and professional intervention can nip any potential infestation in the bud and save you a lot of heartache and money down the track.

I definitely have termites; what should I do now?

First, take a deep breath. While termites are a nuisance, they can be dealt with effectively by a professional pest control company like Abolish. Here's a quick guide:-

• If you can, identify the type of termite: Different species require different treatment methods. If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, a professional pest control company can help with this.
• Act quickly: The longer you wait, the more damage termites can cause. Your best defence, in this case, is a good offence.

Best way to get rid of white ants in your house

When it comes to white ant infestations, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to getting rid of them, but professional pest control is generally the most effective and safest way to tackle a termite infestation. Not only do we have the expertise, equipment and chemicals to eradicate the problem thoroughly but we can help you prevent future occurrences and infestations.

Remember, when it comes to termites, prevention is always better than cure. By implementing simple measures like moisture control, regular inspections and sealing potential entry points, you can create a termite-unfriendly environment and keep your home safe and sound.