Termites and fire ants usually spring to mind when you think of suburban pests that invade homes and gardens. A lesser known – but equally undesirable – species is the funnel ant. At just 5mm in length, it makes burrows so vast that it can cause extensive soil damage to your backyard. Funnel ants are common all over Australia – they create funnel-shaped openings to their nests and their homes are often so cavernous that this results in the breakdown of the surrounding earth.

Termites and fire ants usually spring to mind when you think of suburban pests that invade homes and gardens. A lesser known – but equally undesirable – species is the funnel ant. At just 5mm in length, it makes burrows so vast that it can cause extensive soil damage to your backyard. Funnel ants are common all over Australia – they create funnel-shaped openings to their nests and their homes are often so cavernous that this results in the breakdown of the surrounding earth.

Termites and fire ants usually spring to mind when you think of suburban pests that invade homes and gardens. A lesser known – but equally undesirable – species is the funnel ant. At just 5mm in length, it makes burrows so vast that it can cause extensive soil damage to your backyard. Funnel ants are common all over Australia – they create funnel-shaped openings to their nests and their homes are often so cavernous that this results in the breakdown of the surrounding earth.

Termites and fire ants usually spring to mind when you think of suburban pests that invade homes and gardens. A lesser known – but equally undesirable – species is the funnel ant. At just 5mm in length, it makes burrows so vast that it can cause extensive soil damage to your backyard. Funnel ants are common all over Australia – they create funnel-shaped openings to their nests and their homes are often so cavernous that this results in the breakdown of the surrounding earth.

Termites and fire ants usually spring to mind when you think of suburban pests that invade homes and gardens. A lesser known – but equally undesirable – species is the funnel ant. At just 5mm in length, it makes burrows so vast that it can cause extensive soil damage to your backyard. Funnel ants are common all over Australia – they create funnel-shaped openings to their nests and their homes are often so cavernous that this results in the breakdown of the surrounding earth.

By nature, Australians are very proud of their homes. Many of us spend a significant amount of time on home upkeep and maintenance, which is why unwanted pests can be so frustrating. Termites cause a huge amount of damage to properties in Australia every year and, generally, insurance does not cover the damage caused. So, how can you protect your home?

Subterranean termites thrive in damp, enclosed spaces where they can maintain their humid environment, as close to cellulose-rich food sources as possible. Cellulose is found in all plants, and while termites can eat grass and leaves, they favour dead and decaying wood as it gives them both sustenance and moisture.

We are well into spring now and the humidity is starting to rise. Look outside and you’ll be able to see the changes with flowers blooming everywhere, and birds and insects in full swing. Under the ground the termites have also been busy actively foraging for food in trees, stumps and even timber in people’s homes: this is in preparation for the release of the queens and males flying termites.