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Bug Out Pest Solutions guide

Termite Signs in Brisbane Homes: What to Look For

Termites work out of sight, often for months before anyone notices. In Brisbane's warm, humid climate, homes in suburbs like Brendale, Albany Creek and Eatons Hill can be at risk all year. This guide covers the signs we look for and what to do if you spot one.

Why termites go unnoticed

Termites feed inside timber and leave the outer surface intact. A skirting board or door frame can look fine while the inside is being eaten away. That is why many homeowners only find out when a wall gives way or a floor feels soft.

They also like dark, damp and sheltered spots. Gardens with mulch against the wall, leaking taps and poor drainage all make a property more appealing to them. Many Brisbane north homes sit on blocks with plenty of established garden, so there is often somewhere for a colony to settle.

Signs you can see

Mud tubes are the clearest sign. These are thin pencil-width tunnels of soil that run up foundations, brick piers or walls. Termites use them to travel safely between the ground and the timber they want to reach.

Look for timber that sounds hollow when you tap it with a screwdriver handle. Paint that bubbles or ripples for no clear reason can also point to activity behind it. Doors and windows that suddenly stick, or skirting boards that seem to be sagging, are worth a closer look.

Discarded wings near windows and light fittings are another warning. Winged termites often swarm after warm, humid weather, then shed their wings once they land. A small pile of wings on a windowsill means a nest could be close.

Signs you can hear or notice

In a quiet room, a faint clicking or tapping from inside a wall can be termites at work. It is not always easy to pick up, but some people notice it at night.

You may also see small piles of what looks like fine sawdust or grit below infested timber. Do not brush it away before taking a photo. It helps our technicians see what has been happening.

Where to check around your property

Walk the outside of your home and look at the base of the walls, the subfloor if you can access it, the garage, and any timber fences or retaining walls touching the house. Check around wet areas inside, such as bathrooms and laundries, where moisture can build up.

Tree stumps, old sleepers and stored timber can also hold a colony close to your home. If you find one, leave it alone and let a technician look at it. Disturbing a nest can make termites move on and make the problem harder to trace.

What to do if you find something

Do not spray it yourself and do not break open the mud tubes. Take a few clear photos, note where you found them, and call us. Our technicians start with a full inspection, and you get a report with the findings, photos and recommendations.

From that report we build a treatment plan for your property. It covers the treatment steps, how long they take, what to expect and whether a follow-up is needed. We also explain how to lower the risk of termites returning, such as fixing leaks and keeping garden beds away from walls.

We are licensed, insured and based in Brendale, so we are close to homes across Strathpine, Bald Hills, Warner, Bracken Ridge, Aspley and the rest of Brisbane's north. You can read about our process on our termite treatments page.

Why regular checks matter

Termite activity is easiest to deal with when it is caught early. An inspection tells you what is there now and what could become a problem. If you are in a home that has never been checked, or it has been a long time since the last inspection, book one before you start any renovation or timber work.

More on this service: Bug Out Pest Solutions service page.

Common questions