White ants

More commonly known as termites, are able to cause great damage to houses and basically anything made from wood. Being aware of the signs and the possible presence of white ants could end up literally saving your house, as well as save you a potentially large amount of money.

White ants are small, pale-coloured, wood-eating insects, with considerable appetites for their teeny size. They are often mistaken for ants, but are much nastier. White ants prefer to stick together in large colonies, which can number in the thousands, and are capable of eating as much as one square metre of wood in just three months' time.

Unfortunately, it can sometimes take between three and eight years to realise an infestation has hit. The build-up can be slow-moving as the group grows in size and appetite. Such termites are attracted to water and humid conditions, as well as their favourite food, wood. They can also eat through concrete, which is not properly designed, compacted and cured. Colonies, however, can be destroyed by killing the queen and the king.

There are a few things to look out for if you suspect that you're sharing your place with these little critters. You may not be able to see them, but they do leave a few hints and telltale signs, such as:

• When they swap between nests, white ants grow a set of wings to help them locate, so you may notice the odd one buzzing about. You may also notice small piles of wings that have been shed.
• A dead giveaway is mud tubes attached to woodwork. White ants use these tubes to travel outside of hidden locations such as wall cavities.
• Softness on window sills, joints or exposed wood, as well as hollow sounding wood can indicate the presence of white ants.
• White ants will occasionally leave small piles of sawdust or wood shavings behind.

Before buying a house it is recommended to arrange a pre-purchase pest inspection to ensure that the property is not damaged before you hand over your cash. White ant activity on your existing property shouldn't be ignored, as it will only get worse and may severely damage your home. Act quickly, but thoroughly, in finding options to treat and eradicate the problem.

The CSIRO states that it is no longer legal to treat such termites with organochlorines for environmental and health reasons. Chemical treatments, however, are now available only to licensed pest controllers. Regular inspections can also be an important measure in controlling termites before they cause any damage.