Termites are often called 'silent destroyers' for good reason — a colony can chew through structural timber for years before anyone notices. The good news is that the early warning signs are recognisable if you know what to look for.
1. Mud tubes on walls or piers
Subterranean termites build pencil-width mud tubes to travel between their nest and a food source while staying protected from the open air. Check brick piers, subfloor walls, foundations and the base of skirting boards.
If you find a tube, resist the urge to break it open — disturbing termites can drive the colony to a new area and make the problem harder to treat.
2. Hollow or papery-sounding timber
Termites eat timber from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer on the surface. Tap suspect skirting, architraves or door frames — a hollow or papery sound is a classic giveaway.
3. Doors and windows that suddenly stick
As termites tunnel through frames and the moisture they introduce builds up, timber warps. Doors and windows that have started jamming for no obvious reason are worth a closer look.
4. Discarded wings near windowsills
In the warmer months, winged termites (alates) swarm to start new colonies, then shed their wings. Small piles of identical translucent wings on windowsills or in spider webs are a strong indicator of nearby activity.
5. What to do next
If you spot any of these signs, the single most important rule is: don't disturb them. Book a professional inspection. We use thermal and moisture-assisted detection to find activity you can't see, then design the right barrier or baiting system.
An annual termite inspection is the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy — far less than the average repair bill for established damage.
Need a hand with this?
Talk to a licensed Sydney technician — free, no obligation.
