Termites are often called the "silent destroyers" — and for good reason. By the time most homeowners notice the damage, they've already been feeding for months. Here's what to look for.
A termite colony can number in the millions — and they work around the clock. The problem is they do it silently, inside your walls, subfloor, and roof void, far from view. Knowing what to look for could save you tens of thousands in structural repairs.
Knock on your skirting boards, door frames, and structural timbers. If they sound hollow or papery rather than solid, termites may have eaten through the wood from the inside, leaving only a thin outer shell. This is one of the most common and telling signs.
Subterranean termites — the most destructive species in Queensland — build pencil-thin mud tunnels to travel between their colony in the ground and their food source (your home). Check along foundation walls, piers, and the exterior base of your house. These tubes protect them from light and dehydration.
Once a year — typically in spring or after rain — termite swarmers (alates) emerge from the colony to mate and start new colonies. They shed their wings almost immediately after landing. Finding small piles of translucent, equal-length wings on windowsills, doorways, or near light sources is a strong sign a colony is nearby or already inside your home.
"In Queensland's climate, a termite colony can cause significant structural damage in as little as 3 to 6 months. Waiting until you see visible damage is waiting too long."
— Equip Pest Control, BrisbaneTermites produce moisture as they eat through wood, which can cause timber to warp and swell. If doors or windows that used to open easily now stick or feel stiff — and it's not a humid season — termite activity in the frames may be the cause. This is especially notable when it happens quickly or without obvious explanation.
Drywood termites (less common but present in Queensland) push their droppings — known as frass — out of small holes in wood. It looks like tiny pellets or sawdust, often collected in small piles below the entry point. If you spot what looks like fine wood-coloured powder collecting near furniture, walls, or flooring, don't ignore it.
Moisture from termite activity inside walls can cause paint to bubble, blister, or peel — even in areas that have no obvious water source. This is frequently mistaken for a plumbing leak. If bubbling paint is appearing on interior walls away from any pipes or roof, it's worth getting a professional to investigate with a moisture meter.
Soldier termites bang their heads against wood to signal danger to the colony — and worker termites are surprisingly noisy eaters. In a quiet room, some homeowners can actually hear a faint rustling or clicking from inside walls. It's subtle, but in a serious infestation it's real. Press your ear against a wall or skirting board at night when the house is quiet.
Don't wait. Termite damage compounds quickly — the sooner you get an inspection, the better. We use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find activity you can't see, and provide a full written report.