Signs of termites in your home
Termites can damage timber for a long time before anything is visible. Early signs are subtle, and disturbing them can make treatment harder.
Safety classification
Safe inspection only
This guide covers safe first actions only. It is not a licence to perform regulated work or enter a dangerous area.
What to do
- 1
Look for mud tubes
Check foundations, piers and walls for pencil-width mud tubes running from the ground up.
- 2
Tap exposed timber
Skirting boards, door frames and timber that sound hollow or feel soft may be damaged.
- 3
Watch for other clues
Discarded wings near windows, sticking doors, bubbling paint and fine mud in cracks can all point to activity.
- 4
Do not disturb them
Do not break open mud tubes or spray insecticide — termites may move elsewhere and make them harder to treat.
- 5
Book an inspection
A timber pest inspection can confirm activity, identify the species and recommend treatment and prevention.
When to stop
- You see live termites or active mud tubes
- Structural timber feels soft or damaged
- Floors sag or doors suddenly stick
- You are buying or selling a property
Pest control
Prepare the problem, safety status and location once. The matching category will be pre-filled.
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