Dampwood white ants form small independent nests which often attack sick or dead trees, decaying stumps or mouldy timber in the ground; they are seldom found in dry timbers in buildings. Drywood white ants occur mostly in tropical areas, where atmospheric humidity is constantly above 75%.

Where do you find white ants?

Damp wood termites typically live in heavily forested areas. Subterranean termites are considered to be the most destructive of the three types and need a moist environment and are mostly found living in the soil.

Where do white ants live?

They are usually in a central location in the termite colony, in the carton nest built above ground, galleries tunnelled in the ground or in galleries tunnelled out of wood, depending on the species.

Do white ants exists?

termite, (order Isoptera), any of a group of cellulose-eating insects, the social system of which shows remarkable parallels with those of ants and bees, although it has evolved independently. Even though termites are not closely related to ants, they are sometimes referred to as white ants.

How white ants are harmful?

White ants will feed on the cellulous within the timber of your home, building nests and tunnels as they branch out to gather more food for the colony. This seriously compromises the stability and the safety of your home, as the timber becomes frail and eventually incapable of supporting your structure.

What is the difference between a Termite and a White Ant

24 related questions found

Do termites bite humans?

Essentially, termites definitely bite wood and do attack other insects, but they do not bite people. Although homeowners experiencing an infestation should not be concerned about receiving bites from termites, professional extermination methods should be sought and implemented to protect the structure of your home.

What should I do if I find white ants?

Do not disturb any white ants you find

If you find live termites anywhere near your property, you should do your best not to disturb them. If you disturb them or try and treat them yourself, they will quickly retreat and block off the nest to protect it.

Where do termites live in house?

Some termites live in and need soil to survive, while others prefer to live in dry wood above ground level. Termites have been found living in walls, bathrooms, furniture, logs, and other wood sources found in or near the home.

What attracts termites to a house?

In addition to wood inside the home, termites are drawn inside by moisture, wood in contact with house foundations, and cracks in building exteriors. Different combinations of these factors attract different species. Additionally, geographic location plays a role in how likely homeowners are to deal with infestations.

How deep do termites live?

Experts believe that subterranean termites remain 18 to 20 feet below the ground during the winter, but in neighborhoods where central heating keeps the soil surrounding houses warm, subterranean termites will remain closer to the ground surface where they can still be problematic.

What kills white ants?

If you do want to try to treat them yourself, here are three ways you can go about it.

• Apply termite bait. ...
• Dust with Termiticide. ...
• Insert termite insecticide chemicals into a termite nest.

Where do termites lay eggs?

A termite egg is very small, white and oval-shaped. Since termite eggs are laid deep inside the nest, people rarely can see them. In fact, subterranean termite nests often are located 4 to 18 inches below ground and drywood termite nests typically are concealed within structures, including walls and furniture.

What are white ants attracted to?

White ants can cause devastating effects in damages to your home. White ants are attracted to dampness and moisture in wood, and they are very difficult to get rid of yourself. Because of this, prevention is key.

What does white ants eat?

They feed on dead plants and trees. Termites get nutrients from cellulose, an organic fiber found in wood and plant matter. Wood makes up the majority of the pests' diet, although termites also eat other materials such as paper, plastic, and drywall.

What is the difference between white ants and termites?

White Ant is just another name for a Termite. White ants are not the same as general ants and the treatment is very different. ... A termite colony is largely made up of Workers and they can be white or light brown in colour, which is why they are often called white ants.

How do you prevent termites?

Homeowners can reduce the risk of termite attack by following these suggestions:

1. Eliminate wood in contact with the ground. ...
2. Do not let moisture accumulate near the foundation. ...
3. Reduce moisture and humidity in crawl spaces. ...
4. Never store firewood or wood debris against foundations or inside crawlspaces.

What kills termites instantly?

If you spot a termite and want to dispatch it immediately, this is the technique for you. Shoot Termidor Foam directly into cracks, voids, and crevices that make for great termite hiding places. The odorless foam will expand, then evaporate, leaving behind a residue that poisons termites as soon as they touch it.

What smell do termites hate?

Cinnamon, Other Essential Oils

Other oils effective against termites, either as repellents or pesticides, are tea tree, clove bud, orange, cedarwood and garlic. Clove bud and garlic oils are two of the most effective oils for killing termites, according to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Why do termites suddenly appear?

Termites swarm after their original colony has reached a certain capacity level and is ready to expand. For most colonies, this happens once a year. Hundreds or even thousands of swarmers, called alates, are produced with the sole purpose of reproduction and expansion.

Do termites ever go away on their own?

Termites will not go away on their own. ... Termites consume wood for sustenance. When they find a way into your home, they won't go away on their own. They will feed for years and years if they are allowed to.

Where are termites most commonly found?

Where are termites most common in the U.S.? It depends on the climate. They thrive in warmer climates, so their activity is greatest in the South, Southeast, West and Southwest. The three most important types of termites in the U.S. – in terms of activity and damage – are drywood, dampwood and subterranean termites.

Can you live in a house with termites?

Buildings or houses that are made of wood can be unfit to live in if termites have already caused considerable damage to its foundations, beams and other supports of the structure. ... This is considered a serious safety issue as once a solid wood structure turns weak and brittle.

How fast do termites spread?

Termites take a very short time to spread. Within a few days, they can multiply to what's considered an infestation. Homeowners need to take every percaussion possible, and be sure to act quickly in order to protect their homes.

What to do if I find termites in my house?

The best way to react to finding out you have at termite infestation is to take action. Start by having your home inspected for termites by a professional. If the termite pro finds that you do in fact have an infestation the next step is to have your home professionally treated for termites.

What to do if you see termites in your house?

If you spot termites in your home, do not disturb them. Avoid treating them yourself with regular household fly sprays. Do not touch these critters and their workings. This is because termites have survival instincts which allow them to feel disruption and move to another spot and keep doing the damage to your house.