Termites can remain concealed inside walls, floors and structural timber while causing significant damage. Subterranean termites, which cause most termite-related structural damage in Australia, usually travel through soil or protected mud tubes to reach timber and other cellulose-based materials.
Because termite activity is often difficult to detect, homeowners should know the possible warning signs. None of these signs confirms an active infestation on its own, but each warrants further investigation by a qualified pest management technician.
1. Mud Tubes Around the Property
Subterranean termites construct narrow mud tubes to protect themselves while travelling between their colony and a food source. Look for these tubes on:
- Foundation walls
- Concrete slab edges
- Brickwork
- Piers and support posts
- Subfloor timbers
- Skirting boards
- Areas surrounding plumbing penetrations
Do not break open or spray a suspected mud tube. Disturbing termites can cause them to retreat into concealed areas, making their activity more difficult to assess.
2. Hollow or Papery-Sounding Timber
Termites frequently consume timber from the inside while leaving a thin outer layer intact. Consequently, affected skirting boards, door frames or floorboards may sound hollow when tapped.
Timber may also feel unusually soft, papery or fragile. However, wood rot and other defects can produce similar symptoms, so hollow-sounding timber should be professionally assessed before conclusions are drawn.
3. Damaged Skirting Boards and Door Frames
Termite-damaged timber may crack, crumble or collapse under light pressure. Vacuum cleaners, furniture or everyday contact can reveal damage that was previously concealed beneath paint.
Pay particular attention to skirting boards, architraves, window frames and door jambs, especially in bathrooms, laundries and other areas where moisture may be present.
4. Cracked, Bubbling or Blistered Paint
Termite activity beneath a painted surface can sometimes cause paint or plaster to bubble, crack or appear uneven. Similar changes can also result from plumbing leaks, excessive moisture or poor surface preparation.
Although damaged paint does not prove that termites are present, unexplained changes should not be ignored, particularly when they occur alongside other warning signs.
5. Doors or Windows That Suddenly Stick
Termite damage and excess moisture can distort timber around doors and windows. This may cause frames to become difficult to open or close.
Building movement, humidity and ordinary wear can produce the same problem. However, a suddenly sticking door or window may justify further investigation when combined with hollow timber, mud tubes or damaged trim.
6. Flying Termites or Discarded Wings
Winged reproductive termites, called alates, leave established colonies during warm and humid conditions to form new colonies. After landing, they shed their wings.
Finding flying termites or piles of similarly sized wings near windows, doors, light fittings or spider webs may indicate that a termite colony is nearby. Learn more in our guide to flying termites and alates.
Termites can resemble flying ants. Our guide explaining what termites look like can help you understand the differences, but professional identification is recommended.
7. Sagging or Damaged Floors and Ceilings
Termites can weaken floorboards, subfloor supports, ceiling timbers and other structural components. Possible signs include:
- Sagging or uneven floors
- Floorboards that feel soft underfoot
- Unexplained cracks
- Sections of timber that collapse under pressure
- Changes in the shape of ceilings or walls
These symptoms may have several causes and can represent a structural safety concern. Avoid placing pressure on visibly damaged areas and arrange an assessment promptly.
8. Frass or Unusual Pellets Near Timber
Drywood termites create cavities inside timber and may expel small, dry faecal pellets known as frass. These pellets can accumulate beneath tiny openings in affected timber.
Frass is associated with drywood termites rather than the subterranean termites most frequently responsible for structural damage in Australia. Sawdust-like material can also come from wood-boring beetles, building work or deteriorating timber, so professional identification is essential.
What Should You Do If You Find These Signs?
If you suspect termite activity:
- Do not disturb, spray or remove the affected material.
- Photograph the area if you can do so safely.
- Keep people away from weakened timber.
- Arrange a professional termite inspection.
- Avoid beginning repairs until the activity has been assessed.
Termites found in a garden tree, stump or fence do not automatically mean your building is infested. However, nearby activity may indicate increased risk. Read our guide to the signs of termites in trees for more information.
Professional Termite Inspections in Newcastle
Visible warning signs often appear only after termites have been active for some time. A professional termite inspection can assess accessible areas of your property for evidence of activity, damage and conditions that may increase the risk of an infestation.
If termites are detected, Newcastle Pest Exterminators can recommend an appropriate termite control plan based on the species, location and extent of the activity.
Contact Newcastle Pest Exterminators to arrange an inspection of your Newcastle or Hunter Region property.
