There’s a persistent urban myth that still does the rounds in Brisbane and across the Gold Coast:
“If you’ve got black ants in the garden, you won’t have termites.”

While ants and termites are natural enemies in some settings, this belief can be misleading—and costly. In reality, ants and termites can often live side by side without conflict, allowing termite activity to go unnoticed until serious damage is done.

Real Footage: Ants and Termites in the Same Tree Stump

During a recent visit to a property, our team filmed something that completely debunks the myth.

Inside a garden stump, black ants were nesting on one side, while termites were active just millimetres away in the same timber. Both pests were using the stump—coexisting without conflict or interference.

This clearly shows that ants won’t necessarily drive termites away. If termites remain concealed and undisturbed, ants may never even know they’re there.

Yes, if termites are suddenly exposed—by breaking open timber or disturbing their workings—ants may attack and feed on them. But in most cases, termites stay hidden inside timbers, plaster, and wall cavities where ants don’t reach.

See our youtube video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYyh0MNmz_Y

Termites Found Inside the Home

The same property also revealed a more concerning discovery. During renovations, the homeowner uncovered extensive termite damage:

• Skirting boards and window trims had been attacked,
• Paint was lifted from the plasterboard, revealing termites travelling beneath the surface, and
• Internal wall linings had to be removed to assess the full extent of the infestation.

By the time termites are found like this, they’ve often been active for months, slowly working through timbers in complete silence.

Don’t Let Myths Lead to Costly Repairs

The belief that ants will keep termites out can give homeowners a false sense of security.
But ants don’t inspect slab edges, roof voids, or internal wall cavities. They’re not a substitute for professional termite inspections or protective systems.

Protecting Your Home Starts Before Termites Arrive

Termite damage is common across South East Queensland—and it’s usually preventable.
The best approach is to be proactive:

• Have annual termite inspections by a licensed technician,
• Install an effective termite management system suited to your home’s construction, and
• Address any high-risk areas before termites find them.

Think you’re safe because of ants? Think again.
Book your professional termite inspection with Conquer Termites today and protect your most valuable asset—before termites move in unnoticed.

Call us now on 1300 417 007

More information:

https://www.conquertermites.com.au/articles/2023-04-14-black-ants-or-termites-how-to-tell/