7 Early Signs Your House May Have Termites

This blog was updated on January 15, 2025.

Termites are tiny but destructive, causing an estimated $1.3 billion worth of damage to Australian homeowners every year. These pests can silently invade your property, causing severe structural damage if left unchecked. They thrive in warm, moist conditions, making homes in Toowoomba particularly vulnerable to infestations.

Termites eat away at wood, which can compromise the safety and value of your home or business in Toowoomba. Prevention is better than cure, using methods like termite baits or chemical barriers, but even with these precautions, vigilance is essential. Regular inspections by professionals can help catch these pests early before they cause extensive damage. Spotting an infestation early can save you from costly repairs down the line.

Here, we've compiled a list of 7 ways that can help you look for termites that have recently invaded. Knowing these signs can empower you to take timely action and protect your property.

Skirting boards are wooden and low to the ground, making them a prime target for hungry termites. These areas are often the first to show signs of termite activity. They provide easy access for termites to start consuming the wood from the inside out.



If you tap or push on your skirting board and it's soft, flaking, or collapses inward, this could be a sign of termite damage. Additionally, termites often cover their holes with mud or other materials, making it even harder to notice. These signs may appear subtle at first, so periodic checks can be crucial. Always inspect closely, even if everything appears normal at first glance.

Termites are different from ants in that they don't like to move out in the open. They create protective mud tubes to stay hidden and safe while they travel to and from their food sources. These tubes also maintain the moist environment termites need to survive.

If you see small winding lines of mud on your brickwork or on the ground leading up to your house, it’s a strong indicator of termite activity. Simply crushing the tubes isn’t enough to deter termites; they will quickly rebuild their tracks and continue their destructive work. Keep an eye out for any recurrence and act swiftly if you spot these termite signs.

If your walls are made of wood, then you should know what they sound like if you knock on them: a solid piece of timber! However, termites can hollow out the inside of your walls, leaving them weak and vulnerable. This makes your property structurally unsound over time.

If your walls are starting to sound hollow or papery, it’s possible termites have begun to eat the insides of your walls. They may leave only a thin shell of paint and wall material untouched, making it harder to detect their presence initially. Regular maintenance and careful observation can help identify these issues early.

Winged termite swarms or discarded wings around the property are surefire signs that termites are nearby and may be in your home. These reproductive termites, also known as Alates, search for new places to establish colonies. Their appearance usually follows rain or warm, humid conditions.

Once they’ve found a suitable location—often inside your home—they drop their wings and settle in. Discovering small piles of wings near outdoor lights, windows, or door frames is a clear warning to take immediate action. This behaviour indicates the beginning of a new colony, which can grow rapidly if left unchecked.

Termites are mostly known for damaging structures, but that’s not the only thing they like to munch on. Outdoors, keep an eye out for mulch or firewood that is full of small holes, as these are also targets for termites. Storing wood close to your home increases the risk of an infestation spreading indoors.

Inside your home, they might attack items stored close to the ground, such as cardboard boxes or stacks of paper. Make sure to store such items off the floor and away from walls to reduce the risk of infestation. Regularly rotating and inspecting stored items can also help identify termite activity early.

One of the lesser-known signs of termites in houses is clicking or rustling sounds coming from inside the walls. Soldier termites tap their heads against wood or shake their bodies as a warning to the colony when they sense danger. Worker termites, on the other hand, make rustling sounds as they move through the wood.

These sounds are often faint and may only be heard in quiet environments. If you suspect such activity, consider listening closely to the affected area or using a stethoscope to confirm the sounds of termites in action.

Sagging or bubbling paint on your walls or ceilings can also indicate a termite infestation. Termites introduce moisture as they consume wood, causing the paint to warp or blister. This is especially noticeable in areas near skirting boards, windows, or doors.

If left untreated, these signs can escalate into more significant damage, including the weakening of wall structures. If you notice unusual paint distortions, it’s crucial to inspect the area for further evidence of termite activity.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, you won’t be able to treat the issue completely by yourself and will likely risk making the infestation even worse. Professional intervention is crucial to eliminate termites effectively. Experts have the tools and knowledge needed to locate and destroy termite colonies.

Termites are difficult to discover and remove completely, so call a local Toowoomba expert to get the job done right the first time. Give us a call on 1800 880 500 to get the peace of mind you need and rid your property of termites in Toowoomba before the damage gets any worse. Regular inspections and timely action can save you from extensive repairs and financial loss.