What Are Termites?

Last updated: July 2026

Termites are a bigger threat to properties because of the kind of damage they cause. They are small insects that mostly feed on wood and have frequented most homes. Termites resemble ants so much, and this is usually a cause of confusion among many. Therefore it is important to conduct a regular termite inspection.

Their infestation can result in a lot of damages to your home and even affect the sale or purchase of your property. Most homes in Australia are battling termite infestation. This is because of the high number of wooden structures and excess foliage in their compounds.

Different types of termites can infest your home. The workers and swarmers are the most popular. Worker termites have a creamy appearance and are about 4 mm long. They usually appear when an infested wood breaks open.

Swarmers are the other types that reproduce fast. These types of termites are black or dark brown in appearance and are about 4 mm long. Some termites that fall under the category of swarmers may lack wings because most of them usually lose their wings shortly after appearing. The different types of termites you are likely to come across in your home include:

• Drywood
• Dampwood
• Subterranean
• Conehead
• Formosan

There are over 300 species of termites in Australia. Native subterranean termites, Coptotermes Acinaciformis are the most popular types in Australia. They are mostly found in the soil, looking for food and also building their colony’s nest. They do require fiber and moisture for survival. You are more likely to find them in moist or damp places like the kitchen and bathroom.

 Other termite species are common in Sydney and survive in different environments. Getting rid of them will reduce the destruction and several damages they may cause to your home. If you are in Australia, you can look for companies carrying out termite pest control in Sydney to exterminate them.

Related reading:subterranean vs drywood termites and how to find termites in your home.

Common questions

What exactly are termites, in plain terms?
They’re pale, soft-bodied insects that live in large colonies and feed on timber. In Sydney the ones that matter are subterranean termites, mainly Coptotermes acinaciformis, which nest in the ground or in trees and travel through soil to reach houses. They work around the clock, which is why damage adds up quickly once they find your frame.

Are termites and white ants the same thing?
Yes. White ants is just the common Australian name for termites. Same insect, same treatment. They look a little like pale ants but they’re a different insect group entirely, more closely related to cockroaches. If someone tells you you’ve got white ants, you’ve got termites, and it’s worth having the property inspected properly.

How do I know if the insects in my house are termites and not ants?
The quickest tells are colour and waist. Termites are pale and straight-sided; ants are darker with a pinched waist. The dust they leave behind differs too. Ant frass is fine, black and dusty, while termite workings are brown mud with a solid texture. If you’re seeing either near timber, leave it undisturbed and book an inspection, because disturbing it makes the activity harder to trace.