Termites, also known as white ants or silent destroyers, are a common Perth pest that can cause significant damage to homes and buildings. Understanding the different types of termites and how to identify them is crucial to preventing infestations and minimise potential damage. With over 17 years of experience working with termites, we’ve gathered a guide to the different types of termites in Perth to help your property stand a fighting chance!
Common Types of Termites (White Ants) in Perth
Subterranean Termites (Family Rhinotermitidae)
Appearance: Subterranean termites are creamy-white insects about 5mm long. Workers (the most commonly seen) are blind and have short antennae. Soldiers, on the other hand, have larger heads and strong mandibles for defence.
Damage: These termites cause the most damage in Perth. They target wood in contact with the soil, like floorboards, skirting boards, and structural timbers. Their tunnelling weakens the wood, potentially leading to structural problems.
Can be found in: Subterranean termites live underground and build mud tunnels to access your home. Check for their presence around the foundation, crawl spaces, and areas with timber touching the soil.
Attracted to: Subterranean termites are attracted to moist wood and cellulose materials.
Western Subterranean Termites (Coptotermes acinaciformis)
Appearance: Identical to regular subterranean termites (creamy-white, up to 7mm long).
Damage: This is the most common and destructive subterranean termite in Perth. They target wood in contact with the soil, hollowing it out and compromising structural integrity.
Can be found in: Areas where wood meets soil, such as floorboards, skirting boards, door frames, and under the house.
Attracted to: Moist wood in contact with the ground.
Ghost Termite (Mastotermes Darwiniensis)
Appearance: Slightly larger than Western Subterranean Termites (up to 12mm long) and translucent, earning them the “ghost” nickname.
Damage: Ghost termites are particularly troublesome because they don’t require soil contact. They target above-ground structures, including wall frames, furniture, and even books with wood pulp.
Can be found in: Wall cavities, ceilings, roof voids, and around plumbing fixtures.
Attracted to: Damp wood, particularly in areas with moisture build-up.
Flying Termites (Alates)
Appearance: Typically larger than worker termites, flying termites have dark brown or black bodies and two pairs of long, translucent wings almost equal in size to the body. They are often mistaken for flying ants, but unlike ants, have a straight waist and shed their wings shortly after swarming.
Damage: Alates themselves don’t cause direct damage. However, their presence indicates a mature termite colony nearby, which could pose a significant threat to your home.
Can be found in: Winged termites are most commonly seen during the swarming season, which can vary depending on the species but often occurs after periods of rain. They may appear near windows, doors, or lights as they try to establish a new colony.
Attracted to: Light sources where they can swarm to find mates and establish new colonies. While flying termites aren’t destructive, they are a crucial warning sign of a potential termite infestation.
Dampwood Termites
Appearance: Dampwood termites are dark brown or black, with soft bodies and a noticeable “waist” between the thorax and abdomen. Unlike Subterranean and Drywood termites, they have relatively weak mandibles.
Damage: These termites target damp or decaying wood, often found in bathrooms, laundry rooms, or around leaking pipes. Their presence can lead to structural weakness and cosmetic damage.
Can be found in: Areas with moisture issues, such as crawl spaces, under sinks, roof fixtures and around leaky pipes.
Attracted to: Damp and decaying wood, especially in areas with poor ventilation.
Drywood Termites
Appearance: Drywood termites are light brown to dark brown, with a long, thick waist and straight antennae, typically up to 6mm long.
Damage: These termites can infest furniture, wall frames, and other wooden structures within your home, causing structural damage over time.
Can be found in: Dry wood, furniture, particularly around joints and hidden areas, and wall cavities.
Attracted to: Dry wood, particularly furniture, wall frames, and wooden fixtures.
Signs of Termites At Home
- Mud tubes snaking up the exterior walls of your home (subterranean termites).
- Discarded wings near windows or doors (after swarming).
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped.
- Tiny pinholes in drywall (may indicate termite activity behind the wall).
Termite Treatments in Perth
At Swatapest, we have extensive experience working with all termite (white ant) varieties in Perth. And if there’s anything our experience has taught us, disregarding termite infestations is a pricey problem for homeowners and businesses. Termites are crafty and can go unnoticed, so it’s crucial to conduct regular termite inspections and termite treatments to identify infestations before they become uncontrollable.
Why Choose Us for Termite Control in Perth?
Our team is highly trained and licensed to handle all termite problems. We use the latest products and techniques to ensure the safety of your family and pets. Don’t let termites become a costly headache. Contact us today for a free termite inspection quote or book your termite inspection online.