Signs of White Ants In House

Thomas Smith
October 27, 2025
Pest Control

Understanding the signs of white ants in house is the key to protecting your property from hidden termite damage.

White ants, also known as termites, have long been one of the most destructive household pests in Australia. For decades, these silent invaders have been a major concern for homeowners and property investors, particularly during building inspections. Thriving in warm, damp environments close to wood — their primary food source — white ants often go undetected until serious structural damage has already occurred.

A single queen termite can lay up to 1,000 eggs a day, allowing colonies to grow rapidly to more than 200,000 members within a property. Their relentless feeding habits can weaken foundations, walls, and support beams, leading to repairs that cost thousands of dollars.

In this blog, you’ll discover everything you need to know about white ants — when they’re most active, what they look like, how they find their way into homes, and the key signs that indicate their presence. Understanding these details can help you spot and prevent infestations early.

Let’s have a look.

When is White Ant Season?

The white ant season in Australia typically peaks during the warmer summer months, when these pests become most active and begin multiplying rapidly. As their colonies grow, swarms of white ants often take flight in search of new nesting sites and food sources — a phase that puts many homes at risk of invasion. This is usually the time when a passing termite swarm might find its way into your property.

Certain species, such as drywood termites, are particularly active toward the end of summer, adding to the threat. However, homeowners should remain alert year-round. Even when temperatures drop, existing colonies can continue causing damage behind the scenes. Regularly inspecting your home’s timber structures is crucial, as hidden termite damage can often be much older than it first appears.

What do White Ants Look Like?

At first glance, white ants can easily be mistaken for regular black ants because of their similar shape and size, typically measuring between 4 and 10 millimetres long. However, their pale, creamy-white colour — sometimes paired with brown or orange heads — sets them apart. White ants also tend to have thicker, more robust bodies compared to the slender build of black ants.

With numerous termite species found across Australia, identifying the exact type invading your property isn’t always straightforward. What appears to be a white ant infestation could sometimes turn out to be something else entirely. That’s why it’s always wise to seek a professional inspection. Expert have in-depth knowledge about the signs of white ants in house, so their assessment ensures accurate identification and helps determine the most effective treatment before the problem escalates.

How do White Ants Enter Houses?

White ants can sneak into your home in more ways than you might expect. These tiny invaders often find entry through small gaps around doors, vents, or windows, as well as through spaces where pipes connect to your house. Some termite species even make their way in through soil or mud tunnels, allowing them to remain hidden from view while moving underground towards wooden structures.

What’s more, termites can sometimes hitch a ride indoors through wooden furniture, cardboard boxes, or second-hand timber items. It’s always a smart idea to thoroughly check any pre-owned or outdoor wooden objects before bringing them inside — a quick inspection can save you from a costly infestation later.

What is White Ants Food Source?

White ants have a unique digestive system that allows them to break down timber into a liquid form of nourishment. This process is made possible by the symbiotic protozoa living in their gut, which helps digest cellulose — the main component of wood. Worker termites then share this partially digested, semi-liquid food with the rest of the colony through a process known as trophallaxis, where nourishment is exchanged either by regurgitation or passing it through the digestive tract.

These pests are notorious for hollowing out the centre of timber, often leaving behind just a thin outer layer of wood or paint, which hides the damage within. To maintain the perfect living conditions, white ants even fill cracks and joints in the wood with mud, helping to preserve moisture and prevent dehydration inside their tunnels.

Signs of White Ants in House

White ants build their nests within or around homes, creating hidden colonies that thrive in dark, humid, and protected spaces. Recognising the early signs of their presence can help you prevent extensive damage. Here are some common indicators that termites may have established a nest in your home:

Mud Tubes (Mudding)

To stay hidden and maintain the right humidity levels, white ants construct narrow tunnels made of mud-like material. These tubes often appear along brick foundations, tree trunks near your house, or wooden structures. They act as protected highways for termites moving between their nest and food sources.

Hollow-Sounding Wood

When termites feed on timber, they hollow it out from the inside, leaving only a thin surface layer. If tapping on your walls or woodwork produces a hollow sound, it’s a strong sign of termite activity. Professional inspectors often use wood-tapping as a key technique to detect such damage.

Clicking Noises

Faint clicking or tapping sounds inside walls may indicate termite movement or chewing. Sometimes, louder clicks can occur when termites bang their heads against surfaces to warn the colony of danger. If you hear these noises, contact a pest control specialist immediately.

Damaged Plaster, Skirting, or Architraves

Termite activity weakens wood from within, causing surrounding materials like plaster or skirting boards to crack or break easily. If areas of your walls or trims crumble with minimal force, it’s often due to extensive termite damage beneath the surface.

Sagging or Uneven Structures

White ants can severely compromise structural beams, posts, and framing. As these internal supports weaken, you may notice sagging or uneven walls, doors, floors, or ceilings. Such signs usually point to significant termite infestation and should be checked by professional termite inspectors as soon as possible.

Take Away

White ants pose a serious threat to Australian homes, often causing damage long before being detected. Recognising early signs like mud tubes, hollow timber, or clicking sounds is crucial. Regular inspections and prompt professional treatment can save homeowners from costly structural repairs and protect their property’s long-term value.