Even though termites are usually called white ants, they are not scientifically classified under the same family.
They look closely related but are remarkably different. White ants are found in several different families around the world, while all termites belong to one single family only.
Termites can be easily identified by their straight antennae and pinched waists. Unlike the white flying ants, winged termites have two pairs of wings that cover their bodies when at rest. The four wings are of equal length. They also have shorter legs that don't reach beyond their body, whereas an ant's front pair of legs are longer than its torso.
Ants have three clearly separated body parts; the head, thorax, and abdomen. Flying ants have bigger front wings and smaller hind wings. As mentioned before, termites have straight antennae compared to the elbowed antennae in ants. Ants have a thin waist line where the thorax meets the stomach. In contrast, termites have a thick waist. Generally, ants are a dark colour. Subterranean termites have a whitish light colour and avoid light. That is why they construct the mud tunnels.
Unlike ants that have great vision, worker termites are blind and find their way by following the scent trails of other termites. A colony of ants and termites live by a caste system. Termite castes define roles among the termites. Worker termites look for food to feed the soldiers and the queen. The queen lays eggs to ensure the continuity of the colony.
To prevent a potential pest infestation, a pest control expert must identify and destroy the nest or apply pest controller substances that kill the entire colony in the long run.When it comes to nests, termites build them underground or inside trees, while white ants build theirs above ground (usually in wood). Look out for traces of mud tunnels outside the affected area, as this might indicate a termite presence. Alternatively, seek the opinion of a pest control expert.
White ants feed on dead plant material such as leaves and wood, which they digest using tiny organisms that live in their gut. They may cause damage to your houseplants or stored food that is kept inside cardboard boxes, just like rodents can do, but white ants don't eat wood. They will never burrow into solid wooden structures looking for cellulose; the organic compound found in wooden products that termites seek. Instead, they use their jaws and strong digestive enzymes to bore deep channels through beams, doors, window frames, etc. Interestingly enough, both are considered pests to humans because of the damage they cause.However, there are also some differences between them aside from what we've already mentioned. Termite species are more abundant and widespread than white ants because they have a wider palate and can survive on cellulose and starch (i.e., plant and animal-based products). Termites also lack those powerful jaws that white ants have; instead, they use their strong jaws to form tunnels through wood and their saliva, which contains chemicals that make them even stronger. White ants live in colonies inside special worker caste members who feed other nestmates with secretions from their salivary glands. These substances help digest food and maintain the colony's health.
Ants appearance differs from that of termites. These two insects have a life cycle similar to other insects. Therefore, for effective pest control, it is important to differentiate one from the other. The damage they cause can start small, but it will include tunnels that are packed with mud. These tunnels are what termites build to travel between areas or reach food sources. Tunnels are usually built in moist areas where the wood is damp enough for them to be able to eat it. Once you spot them, make sure there isn't a potential pest infestation by checking the following places around your house.
Floors and baseboards
Window sills
Wood studs
Stored firewood
The presence of white ants can also be detected by their droppings which resemble coarse sawdust. Some species may leave behind feces that look like tiny rocks instead, so be on the lookout for anything that resembles these two things. You can tell the presence of carpenter ants if you notice wood shavings scattered around their nest.
Yes, termites consume wood. Termites live on cellulose, an organic compound found in wood, timber, plants, and many wood products found in Australian homes. They cause wood damage as they seek this organic compound. Termites are able to digest cellulose and starch with the help of microorganisms that live in their gut which break down these materials into simple sugars. You can identify a termite infestation by looking for these habitats
Mud tunnels packed with soil on walls and ceilings. Termite droppings may even be found above ground if there is more than one level in your house.
Termites leave tiny mud tubes behind as they travel from one area to another; look for them on damp surfaces of your floor, baseboards, window sills, etc.If it's a dry season and you notice more of them, it means they are trying to find a water source. Check the plumbing in your house, outside faucets, and any other place that might be moist enough for them to feed on.
Some species form protective nests out of saliva mixed with soil or tree bark that they have chewed. If there is a wood-based structure inside your walls, you may see this kind of nest in places where termites have built a colony (i.e., kitchen cabinets).
This works best on termite infestations because boric acid sticks to their bodies as they move around and will poison them after some time. Sprinkle on different areas where you've noticed them, especially inside kitchen cabinets and other wooded areas. Leave it there for a few days and see whether they have been affected by it because this might be the reason why you're seeing fewer of them. Boric acid can be highly dangerous.
This is a natural substance that can help get rid of termites in a safe way. This works by taking away the protective coating from their bodies, leaving them exposed to drying and dehydration. Once they are weakened, this powder will also poison them. You can use it similarly to how you would use boric acid - sprinkle it on different areas where you've seen them living and feeding on your house's structure.
Spray white vinegar directly onto termite infestations because it contains acetic acid, making it very effective against these bugs. Simply soak a piece of cloth with white vinegar and place it where you've seen them, or pour some inside their nests.
By fixing leaky plumbing, clearing away stagnant water sources outside your house (i.e., flowerpots, pet dishes, etc.), and turning off any faucets inside or outside, you can keep termites from having access to the wood in your home because these pests prefer wet environments where they can feed on wooden structures without drying out quickly.
The white ant can be found everywhere, from your kitchen cabinets to your garden furniture, so it's essential that you isolate the affected area, so they don't spread over time.
Once you find evidence of these bugs within your house, try to isolate the area and limit its surroundings as much as possible. White ants need wood-based material to survive, so removing this substance from their environment will be a lot easier to get rid of them.