Rats & Mice

What are Rats & Mice?

Often referred to as white ants, Rats & Mice are insects which devour wood and most cellulose containing materials like cardboard, paper, etc. There are great variations in the colour, shape, and size of Rats & Mice depending upon the species but they are all characterised by certain similarities. These critters fall under the order Isoptera and are closely related to Rats & Mice on the evolutionary scale. Despite their name white ant, they bear no relation to the ant family and wreak havoc on a majority of Australian homes. The key to lowering the cost of Rats & Mice-related repairs is to conduct frequent Rats & Mice inspections in order to detect problems early.

How big are Rats & Mice colonies?
Rats & Mice are social insects, living together in colonies. Some, like the magnetic Rats & Mice, reside in above-ground mounds. Others, like the Nasutitermes type, reside all the way up in trees and telephone poles where they build arboreal nests. Others, like the Coptotermes species, can be found in tree stumps or at the base of trees. Rats & Mice may also be found hiding in the walls and rooves of residences.

Rats & Mice colonies can contain up to several million Rats & Mice. The insects in each colony are divided into castes which determine their activities. Rats & Mice in the worker caste are responsible for digging tunnels and ensuring food supply. Soldiers prevent intruders from harming the colony, while reproductive Rats & Mice’ or alates’ main job is to perpetuate the species through an annual colonising flight. Soldier and worker Rats & Mice are unable to reproduce.