

Termite FAQs

  • What do Termites Look Like?

    Subterranean termites (those most commonly seen in homes) are a similar size to a black ant except they are pale in colour. That’s why they are often called “white ants”. If you look closely, termites have two sections to their body while ants have three. Soldier termites have a slightly darkened, or brown, head. You will also see termites with wings, called alates. Sometimes confused for moths, the allates fly out from the colony in search of a new environment in which to reproduce and develop a new colony. Subterranean termites are only one of the termite families found in Australia. See our guide to termite species for more facts and information about other species.

  • Are white ants and termites the same?


  • Do termites eat treated pine?


  • Are termites covered under home insurance?

    No. Most home insurance policies do NOT cover damage done by termites. As 1 in 4 Australian homes are affected by termites in their lifetime, it pays for you to be vigilant. Take advice about our professional termite treatments for your home or business, which can control an existing problem and prevent future infestations.

  • How can I prevent termites?


  • How do I get rid of termites?

    If you discover termites in your home, you should not attempt to get rid of them yourself. If termites are disturbed, they will simply re-route their activity to another area of the house. Give our termite specialists a call immediately on [phone] or take a look at our termite treatments.

  • Is ‘Do It Yourself’ termite control an option?


  • How should I choose a termite and pest control company?


  • Are your treatments safe for my family?


  • When is the best time to have a Termite Treatment?


  • How quickly can termites infest a house?

    Termites are always looking for new sources of food, so if they discover a large amount of wood in or around your house which isn’t properly treated, they could move in the same day. Termites can even infest a house structure before it’s even completed so if you’re moving into a new home, check out our pre-purchase inspections.

  • How do termites enter my home?


  • What kind of termite protection plan can you provide?


  • How do you know if you have termites?



    Rentokil’s Termite Control Technicians are equipped with devices which can not only see termites, but can hear termites. The latest equipment is accessible to all our technicians and has moisture sensors, heat sensors and sound sensors (to listen for the “clicking” sound termites make) so the termites have very little chance of remaining undetected. Refer to our termite inspections section.