Termite warning signs every Sydney homeowner should know

Sydney's warm, humid climate suits subterranean termites, and they are one of the most common causes of timber damage in Australian homes. Because they travel through soil and inside timber, they are rarely seen. The damage is usually discovered by accident, often during renovations, so knowing the early signs gives you a real head start.

Early signs of termite activity

• Mud tubes or 'leads': pencil-width tunnels of soil running up foundations, piers, brickwork or the inside of cupboards.
• Timber that sounds hollow or papery when tapped, especially skirting boards, door frames and architraves.
• Paint or wallpaper that bubbles, sags or looks water damaged when there is no leak.
• Doors and windows that suddenly stick or no longer close properly.
• Swarms of winged termites (alates) or piles of discarded wings near windows and lights, usually on warm, humid evenings in spring and early summer.
• Mud packed into cracks, joints or gaps in timber.

What to do if you find termites

The most important rule is: don't disturb them. Spraying them with insect spray, breaking open the mud leads or removing damaged timber usually just makes the colony retreat and come back somewhere else, which makes it harder for a professional to find and treat the colony. Leave the area as it is, keep pets and children away, and book an inspection.

Reduce the risk around your home

• Fix leaking taps, gutters, downpipes and air-conditioner drains: termites need moisture.
• Keep garden beds, mulch and soil below weep holes and away from the walls of the house.
• Don't store timber, firewood or building materials against the house or under the floor.
• Make sure sub-floor areas are well ventilated and easy to inspect.
• Remove old tree stumps and timber offcuts from the garden.

How often should you get a termite inspection?

Australian Standard AS 3660.2 recommends a professional timber pest inspection at least every 12 months, and more often in high-risk areas. A regular inspection is far cheaper than repairing structural damage, and many home insurance policies don't cover termite damage at all.

Want a professional to take a look? Call CITY WIDE on 1300 888 749 or request a free quote below. We look after homes and businesses across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, Inner City and North West.