Black Ants or Termites - How to Tell?

Recently we were called out to a house in West End, Brisbane, to investigate a leaning garden fence post, thinking termites were the culprit. The post was embedded in the ground and had an unhealthy tilt suggesting termites had chewed the base.

This is a natural reaction to think Termites were the baddies causing the problem. The base of the post was in the ground and vulnerable to subterranean Termites. There was even mud ‘working’ that looked like termite activity.

But on close inspection, it was quickly determined that the ‘workings’ were built by black ants, and the cause of the lean was fungal decay (wet rot) that had weakened the post.

How to tell if Termites or Black Ants build the mud workings?

It is easy enough to determine this by gently touching the ‘workings’. If the ‘workings’ feel hard like plaster, it’s Termites. If they crumble easilierly, it’s Black Ants.

Termites are great Builders with mud

Termites construct their mud leads by combining their salvia and soil to make a paste that hardens like plaster. Termites don’t like to be out in the open, exposed to the elements and prey. If they need to bridge out of the ground to access timber, they will build these mud tubes.

Carpenter Ant - The great imposter

There is one ant that acts like a termite and causes a lot of kafuffle. The large Carpenter Ant will burrow into timber damaged by fungal decay. It looks like they are eating the wood, but they only hollowing it out to make space for their nest.

For more information about Carpenter Ants, check Wikipedia’s Carpenter Ant Article.

Termites can be confused for Black Ants

Yes, termites and black ants can often be mistaken for each other due to their similar size and social structure. However, there are some key differences between the two species that can help distinguish them.

One of the main differences is their food source and habitat. Termites primarily feed on wood and other cellulose-based materials, while black ants typically scavenge on top of the ground for food such as insects, seeds, and sweet substances. Termites also live in underground colonies, while black ants may have nests in various locations such as soil, wood, or even human structures.

Another distinguishing feature is their physical appearance. Termites have straight antennae, a broad waist, and wings that are equal in size, while black ants have elbowed antennae, a narrow waist, and wings that are unequal in size.

It’s important to correctly identify the species, as termites can cause significant damage to homes and other wooden structures if left untreated. If you suspect you have a termite infestation, it’s recommended to consult a professional pest control service for proper identification and treatment.

For more information: White Ants or Termites | Conquer Termites : Brisbane’s Inspection, Detection & Treatment Specialists