What do termites look like?
The risk of misidentification
Think you’ve spotted termites? You’re not alone many Australians mistake them for ants.
But getting it wrong can come with a hefty price tag.
Of all the pests you might encounter around your home, termites are by far the most costly – with damage and treatment across Australia estimated at close to $1 billion every year.
Our licensed timber pest inspectors are trained to correctly identify termite species and apply targeted treatments before serious damage takes hold. Early identification is key to protecting your home and avoiding expensive repairs.
Termites vs ants in Australia
Termites are often called “white ants,” but they’re not ants at all. In fact, they’re more closely related to cockroaches.
While both pests may appear around your home, only termites silently tunnel through structural timber often undetected for months. Ants can be a nuisance, but termite damage is far more serious if left untreated.
If you’re unsure, don’t guess call Precision. We’ll give you answers, not assumptions.
Termite Castes
Termites are social insects, living in colonies with distinct castes that look and behave differently:
- Workers – Pale cream to beige, soft‑bodied, wingless and blind. Workers do the foraging, nest building and feeding — and they’re the caste that causes most of the damage.
- Soldier termites – Larger heads, darker colouring. Some have strong jaws for biting, others (nasutes) have a pointed snout that squirts a sticky defensive chemical.
- Winged termites (reproductives or swarmers) – Darker in colour with two pairs of equal-length wings. These emerge during warm, humid evenings to mate and start new colonies. After swarming, they shed their wings.
What termite is eating your home?
Only a small handful of Australia’s 350+ termite species are serious timber pests. Subterranean termites are the main culprits our technicians find in homes. For NSW and ACT homes, the main subterranean termite species of concern are:
Image: Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org
Coptotermes acinaciformis
(Common termite, White ant)
Workers: Pale, 4–6 mm long, soft-bodied. Often the first you’ll see if you break a mud tube or damaged timber.
Soldiers: Larger, with dark brown heads and powerful jaws that “snap” when disturbed.
Widespread across Australia – major pest in NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, SA, WA.
Image: Coptotermes frenchi worker, Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org
Coptotermes frenchi
Workers: White to creamy, similar in appearance to C. acinaciformis.
Soldiers: Tan to light brown, 4–5 mm long, with a distinct pear-shaped head and strong jaws.
Mainly eastern Australia – common in NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD.
Image: Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org
Schedorhinotermes intermedius
(Schedos, Intermediate termite)
Workers: Pale brownish, smaller than Coptotermes workers.
Major soldiers: Large heads with very strong jaws.
Minor soldiers: Much smaller but still defensive, with narrower heads.
Coastal and inland areas of NSW, ACT, QLD.
Image: Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org
Nasutitermes exitiosus
(Mound-building, Grass-tree)
Workers: Pale, soft-bodied, often found inside mud tunnels or timber.
Soldiers: Yellow-brown head with a pointed snout (nasute) instead of jaws, which squirts defensive chemicals.
Found in southern mainland states – especially NSW, ACT, VIC, SA, WA.
Image: Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org
Nasutitermes walkeri (Hill)
(Tree termite)
Workers: Pale, smaller than Coptotermes workers. Build galleries and forage in timber.
Soldiers: 5–7 mm, pale yellow-brown with a long pointed snout (nasute).
Coastal NSW and QLD. Occasionally into ACT.
Image: Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org
Heterotermes ferox
(Suburban fence termite)
Workers: Very small (3–4 mm), pale cream to yellow-white.
Soldiers: 3.5–7.5 mm, narrow rectangular yellow-brown heads with pale bodies.
Common across NSW, ACT, VIC, SA, WA.
Why timber pest inspections essential
Most termite species work undercover in mud tubes, wall cavities or subfloors. You’re unlikely to see them until damage is already advanced.
What happens if we confirm termites?
If termite activity is detected, your Precision technician will:
- Identify the exact species
- Apply targeted treatments designed to suppress or eliminate colonies at the source
- Ongoing protection using proven barrier or baiting systems to prevent future infestations
- Practical advice on how to reduce termite risks around your home
- Clear follow-up and scheduled monitoring for long-term peace of mind
All treatments use APVMA-approved products and are designed to comply with Australian Standards because when it comes to termites, precision matters.
Why choose Precision termite control?
For over 30 years, we’ve helped homeowners safeguard their most valuable investment, their homes. When you choose Precision you get:
- Backed by standards: Every treatment complies with Australian Standard AS3660.2
- Family and pet safe: Treatments designed with your loved ones in mind
- Peace of mind: Timber damage insurance available on qualifying plans
- Personal service: We are not a call centre. You deal directly with our local experts who know your home, your area, and the risks specific to it.
