Are White Ants and Termites the Same Thing? (The Australian Guide)

Are White ants and Termites the same thing?

It is one of the most common questions we get asked at Jim’s Pest Control: "Do I have white ants, or do I have termites?"

The short answer is: Yes, they are exactly the same thing.

"White Ant" is simply a colloquial Australian term for Subterranean Termites. They are not ants at all—in fact, they are more closely related to cockroaches. But unlike a nuisance ant that steals crumbs from your kitchen, these "white ants" cause over $1.5 billion in structural damage to Australian properties every year.

In this guide, we will explain why this confusion exists, identifying the specific species found in Australia, and the professional treatments required to stop them.

Why do we call them "White ants"?

The confusion comes from their appearance. To the untrained eye, a worker termite looks very similar to a pale, translucent ant.

However, there are easy ways to tell them apart:

• The Waist: Ants have a pinched "wasp waist." Termites (White Ants) have a straight, broad waist.
• The Antennae: Ant antennae are bent or "elbowed." Termite antennae are straight.
• The Behavior: You will rarely see "white ants" running around in the open. They hate light and require high humidity, which is why they hide inside mud tubes or inside the timber itself.

Termites, The Main Culprits: Australia's Most Destructive Species

While there are over termite 300 species in Australia, only a few cause the devastation homeowners fear.

• Coptotermes acinaciformis: The most destructive termite in Australia. If you find "white ants" in your wall cavity or eating your skirting boards, it is likely this species. They are aggressive and can travel up to 50m from their central nest to find timber.

• Mastotermes darwiniensis (Giant Northern Termite): Found in the tropical north (common in WA and NT). These are the "heavyweights" of the termite world. They are large, voracious, and capable of chewing through rubber tyres, leather, and electrical cables.

• Schedorhinotermes: These are easily spooked. If you break open a mud tube and see them, they will often retreat and attack a different part of the house. This makes them tricky to treat with DIY methods.

Identify Termite Damage:

Since "white ants" eat from the inside out, your timber might look perfect on the surface while being completely hollow underneath.

Look for these signs:

1. Mud Tubes: Brown, earthen tunnels running up concrete stumps or brickwork. This is their "highway" to protect them from the sun.
2. Papery Timber: If your door frame or window sill crumbles when you touch it, or sounds hollow when tapped.
3. Clicking Noises: In quiet environments, aggressive soldiers can sometimes be heard tapping their heads against the wood to signal danger.

Termite Extermination - Termite Treatment Options

Because termites are not actually ants, standard ant sand or fly spray will not work. In fact, spraying termites often makes the problem worse by forcing the colony to move to a harder-to-reach area of your home.

Professional termite treatment generally involves two methods:

Option A: Termite Chemical Soil Barriers (The "Transfer Effect")

We dig a trench around the perimeter of the home and flood the soil with a non-repellent termiticide like Termidor. Ask for our Termidor Certified Technicians.

• How it works: The termites tunnel through the treated soil without realizing it. They pick up the chemical and carry it back to the nest, infecting and eliminating the entire colony.

Option B: Termite Baiting Stations

Ideal for homes where trenching isn't possible (e.g., zero-lot lines or extensive concrete).

• How it works: We install stations around the property. The termites feed on a highly attractive bait that contains an insect growth regulator, preventing them from molting and eventually destroying the colony.

The Importance of Termite Inspections (AS3660)

Under the Australian Standard AS3660, even the best chemical barrier is not a "set and forget" solution. Annual inspections are mandatory to maintain warranty and safety.

Why? Because conditions change. A new garden bed covering a weep hole, a plumbing leak, or a renovation can bridge the gap over your chemical barrier, allowing termites safe entry. Regular inspections ensure these risks are caught before the damage is done.

Summary

Whether you call them White Ants or Termites, the risk is the same. If you suspect activity, do not disturb them. Disturbing the leads causes them to retreat and makes treatment more difficult. Call Jim's Termite and Pest Control immediately for a comprehensive inspection.