What Do Termites Look Like in 2025? A Complete Identification Guide

Termites are among the most destructive pests in Australia, causing billions of dollars in property damage each year. With climate changes and evolving termite species behavior, it’s essential to stay updated on what termites look like in 2025 and how to identify them before they wreak havoc on your home.

In this guide, we’ll provide high-quality termite images, detailed descriptions of different termite species found in Australia, and expert tips on differentiating termites from ants. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions to help you identify termites quickly and prevent an infestation.

What Do Termites Look Like in Australia? (2025 Update)

Termites, often mistaken for white ants, have soft bodies, straight antennae, and a light-colored appearance. Depending on the species and caste, termites can vary in size, shape, and color.

Here’s what to look for when identifying termites in Australia:

1. Worker Termites

🔹 Size: 3-6 mm long
🔹 Color: Pale, creamy-white
🔹 Appearance: Soft-bodied, blind, and wingless
🔹 Function: Responsible for feeding the colony and damaging wood

Worker termites make up the majority of the colony. Since they avoid light, they are rarely seen unless you break open infested wood or mud tunnels.

2. Soldier Termites

🔹 Size: 4-7 mm long
🔹 Color: Light-colored body with a darker, large head
🔹 Appearance: Equipped with powerful mandibles for defense
🔹 Function: Protect the colony from predators, such as ants

Soldier termites are more aggressive and may be seen near disturbed nest areas or mud tubes. Some species have an orange or brownish head.

3. Reproductive Termites (Alates / Swarmers)

🔹 Size: 8-15 mm (including wings)
🔹 Color: Dark brown to black
🔹 Appearance: Two pairs of equal-sized wings, slender body
🔹 Function: Swarm to establish new colonies

Flying termites (alates) are often confused with flying ants. They emerge in large numbers, particularly in warm, humid conditions, signaling a nearby termite infestation.

4. Termite Queen and King

🔹 Size: Queen can reach up to 10 cm
🔹 Color: Creamy-white with an enlarged abdomen
🔹 Function: Reproduces and lays eggs to sustain the colony

A termite queen can live for over 20 years, producing thousands of eggs daily. The king, while smaller, remains with the queen to help sustain the colony.

Types of Termites in Australia (2025 Identification Guide)

1. Subterranean Termites (Coptotermes & Schedorhinotermes)

✅ Habitat: Underground nests, near moist soil
✅ Damage: High – responsible for 80% of termite damage in Australia
✅ Found in: Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and regional areas

2. Drywood Termites (Cryptotermes)

✅ Habitat: Inside dry wood, furniture, and structural timber
✅ Damage: Moderate – can go undetected for years
✅ Found in: Coastal regions like Queensland, New South Wales, and Northern Australia

3. Dampwood Termites (Mastotermes Darwiniensis)

✅ Habitat: Decaying or moist wood, logs, and stumps
✅ Damage: Severe – one of the largest termite species
✅ Found in: Northern Australia, Darwin, and Queensland

How to Identify Termites vs. Ants

Many homeowners mistake termites for flying ants, leading to delays in pest control. Here’s how to tell them apart:

If you see swarmers in or around your home, it’s a sign of an active colony nearby.

Termite Damage: Signs to Look For in 2025

Ignoring a termite infestation can result in serious structural damage. Watch out for these warning signs:

✔ Hollow-sounding wood – Tap on wooden surfaces; if they sound hollow, termites may be inside.
✔ Mud tubes – Subterranean termites build shelter tubes along walls or foundations.
✔ Warped doors and windows – Termite activity can cause structural shifts.
✔ Droppings (Frass) – Drywood termites leave behind tiny wood-colored pellets.
✔ Discarded wings – Found near windows and doors after a termite swarm.

How Big Are Termites in Australia?

The size of termites varies depending on the species:

📏 Worker termites – 3-6 mm
📏 Soldier termites – 4-7 mm
📏 Reproductive termites (Alates) – 8-15 mm (including wings)
📏 Termite queen – Up to 10 cm

Frequently Asked Questions About Termites (2025 Update)

1. What color are termites?

Termites range from creamy-white to dark brown or black, depending on their species and caste. Worker termites are usually pale, while swarmers are darker.

2. Can termites fly?

Yes, reproductive termites (alates) have wings and fly in swarms to start new colonies. Once they land, they shed their wings and begin reproducing.

3. What do termite eggs look like?

Termite eggs are tiny, translucent, and oval-shaped, usually found near the queen in a protected chamber.

4. How do I know if I have termites?

Common signs include mud tubes, hollow wood, sagging floors, discarded wings, and frass (termite droppings). A professional termite inspection is the best way to confirm an infestation.

5. What is the best termite treatment in Australia?

The most effective methods include:
✅ Chemical barriers (Termidor)
✅ Baiting systems (Sentricon)
✅ Physical barriers during construction
✅ Regular termite inspections

6. Are termites the same as white ants?

Yes, white ants and termites are the same pests. The term “white ants” is commonly used in Australia, but they are not related to ants.

7. Where are termites most common in Australia?

Termites are found across Australia, but high-risk areas include:

• Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Townsville)
• New South Wales (Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast)
• Victoria (Melbourne, Geelong)
• Western Australia (Perth, Bunbury)
• Northern Territory (Darwin, Katherine)

8. Are there black termites in Australia?

Yes, some species, such as Mastotermes darwiniensis and certain alates, can appear dark brown or black.

9. Can termites destroy a house?

Yes, severe infestations can lead to structural collapse if untreated. Termite damage is often not covered by home insurance.

10. How can I prevent termites?

✔ Remove wood-to-soil contact
✔ Fix leaks and moisture problems
✔ Install termite barriers
✔ Schedule regular inspections

Final Thoughts

Now that you know what termites look like in 2025, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and protect your home from infestation. Whether you’re in Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne, early detection is key to preventing costly damage.

If you suspect termites, contact a licensed termite control specialist for a professional inspection and treatment plan.

For expert termite control in Australia, visit RapidKil Pest Control today!