White ants vs termites: are they the same thing?

Yes, white ants and termites are the same insect. White ant is the older Australian name; termite is the proper one. They are not true ants at all. Termites are more closely related to cockroaches, they eat timber from the inside, and an infestation can go unnoticed for months. Whichever name you use, the answer is the same: do not disturb them, take a photo and book a termite inspection.

Why do Australians call termites white ants?

Early settlers saw pale, soft-bodied insects living in big colonies, marching along trails and building nests, and called them white ants. The name stuck, and plenty of homeowners on the Central Coast still use it, especially for the workers you see in a damaged piece of timber. Pest controllers use the word termite, but we answer to both. If you searched for white ants, you are in the right place.

Termites are not ants: the real differences

Feature	Termites (white ants)	True ants
Body	Pale, soft, thick waist	Dark, hard, pinched waist
Antennae	Straight, beaded	Bent, elbowed
Diet	Timber and cellulose	Sweet and greasy foods, other insects
Where seen	Hidden: inside timber, mud tubes	Out in the open on trails
Risk to home	Structural timber damage	A nuisance, rarely structural

That last row is why the difference matters. A line of ants across the kitchen bench is annoying and is dealt with by our ant control service. Termites chewing a bearer are a structural problem that needs a termite inspection and a different kind of treatment.

Termite-infested timber. The pale, soft-bodied insects are the workers.

What white ants do to a house

Termites eat the cellulose in timber, usually from the inside out. They often leave a thin skin of wood or paint so the surface looks fine while the structure behind it is hollowed. That is why damage is often discovered late, when a skirting board crumbles under a finger or a door frame gives way. Because workers avoid light and open air, they build mud tubes to travel safely between soil and timber.

They do not bite or sting people, and they are not a health risk. The risk is to the building.

Signs of white ants to look for

• Mud tubes on subfloor piers, walls or the slab edge.

• Timber that sounds hollow or papery when tapped.

• Piles of discarded wings near windows, doors and lights, usually in spring.

• Bubbling or blistered paint and warped skirting.

• Doors and windows that start sticking for no reason.

Seen wings? Read what to do about flying termites tonight. Seen other signs? Our guide to possible termite signs and what to do lists what to photograph and what to leave alone.

Termite-damaged garden timber. Outdoor timber is often where colonies are first found.

Is white ant treatment different from termite treatment?

No. Some older companies and plenty of customers say white ant treatment or white ant inspection, and they mean exactly what we call a termite inspection and termite treatment. It starts with a look at the roof void, interior, subfloor and grounds, then a written explanation of what was found and a choice of options, from direct treatment of active termites to a longer-term termite management system. Inspections start from $240. Our termite inspection FAQs explain how often to repeat it.

What not to do if you find white ants

• Do not spray them with a hardware-store insecticide. It can push the colony to move elsewhere in the building.

• Do not rip out the damaged timber. Disturbed termites seal up and retreat.

• Do take a clear photo and note where you found them. Call Dylan on 0447 088 762.

Service areas

We inspect for white ants and termites across the Central Coast, including Gosford, Terrigal, Wamberal, Erina, Kincumber, Green Point, Avoca Beach, Copacabana, Tumbi Umbi, Bateau Bay, Wyoming, Narara, Point Clare, Kariong, Woy Woy, Umina Beach, Ettalong Beach, Saratoga, The Entrance, Shelly Beach, Blue Haven, Buff Point, Toukley, Gwandalan, Berkeley Vale, Tuggerah, Wyong, Gorokan and Hamlyn Terrace. See the full Central Coast service area.

White ant and termite FAQs

Are white ants and termites the same thing?

Yes. White ant is the old Australian name for termites. They are not true ants and are more closely related to cockroaches.

Why are termites called white ants?

Early settlers saw pale insects living in colonies like ants, and the name stuck.

Do I need white ant treatment or termite treatment?

They are the same service. It starts with an inspection to find the activity, then a treatment or barrier.

How can I tell termites from flying ants?

Termites have a thick, straight waist, straight beaded antennae and four wings of equal length. Flying ants have a pinched waist, elbowed antennae and unequal wings.

Are white ants dangerous to people?

No. They do not bite or sting. The danger is damage to your home's timber.

How do I book a white ant inspection?

Call 0447 088 762. Termite inspections start from $240.

Found white ants? Call Dylan on 0447 088 762

Smash Pest Control is a local, owner-operated business based in Terrigal, holding NSW Pesticide Licence PMT-TP 5203560 and $20M public liability insurance. Call 0447 088 762 or request a quote online.