Article

Termites can detect vibrations of ants

There is no such thing as a silly question, we strive to help.



Termites can detect vibrations of ants

Rowan Bate August 18, 2021
Termites can detect vibrations of ants

Do termites use vibration to communicate?

Termites avoid predatory ants by eavesdropping on vibrations cues from their tiny footsteps.

How termites can detect the presence of ants to avoid contact is mainly unknown.

Certainly, ants use chemical cues like pheromones as a critical communication tool, so it would make sense that termites would use the presence of such chemicals as a warning sign.

However, some recent research suggests that termites can detect the presence of ants by using sounds (vibrations).

With an ant weighing only a few milligrams, how termites detect and recognise such vibrations the sound is amazing.

A comparison of 16 termites and ant species found that ants make a noise whilst walking up to 100X louder than termites.

The researchers concluded that ’eavesdropping’ on passive walking signals explains the predator detection and foraging behaviours in this ancient relationship.

Researcher: Sebastian Oberst, Ecology Letters



    Your local, trusted termite & pest control company

    Conquer Termites has an expert team of fully licensed, experienced and qualified Technicians to provide you with the termite detection and treatment solutions you can trust.

    Call or contact us through the below methods.



    There is no such thing as a silly question, we strive to help

    Helpful Links

    Inspections

    Termite Control

    Pest Control

    About

    Conquer Termites Termites

    "Providing the right advice and excellent service to you is our driving force"

    Find a technician in your area


    Branch closests to where I am now.

    Find us by postcode or suburb.
    You are a human, not a termite. ♥

    5 star service

    We pride ourselves on delivering quality customer service and support. As a family owned and operated organisation we understand the importance of excellent service and customer care.

    CONQUERS' PROMISE TO YOU

    MEET OUR TEAM

    There is no such thing as a silly question - We strive to help

    See what our clients are saying

    Customer satisfaction is one of our highest priorities.

    Conquer Termites Northside
    Conquer Termites South Central
    Conquer Termites Brisbane
    Conquer Termites Termites