Table of Contents
Did you know that 1 in 3 Australian homes will experience termite damage during their lifetime? According to the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA), termites are responsible for over $1.5 billion in property damage each year. Despite these staggering numbers, many homeowners still neglect regular inspections, unknowingly allowing termite infestations to grow unchecked. In 2025, early detection is critical — especially in high-risk zones like Sydney, Perth, and coastal NSW, where warm, humid conditions and timber structures create ideal environments for termites. A quick inspection today could save you from a potential $20,000+ repair bill down the line.
Termites are silent destroyers that can cause extensive damage to a home before they are even detected. These pests feed on wood, weakening structures and leading to costly repairs. As a homeowner, regularly inspecting your home for termites is crucial to protecting your investment. Below, we’ll explore the best ways to check for termites and how to prevent an infestation before it gets out of control.
1. Understand the Types of Termites That Can Invade Your Home
Before you begin inspecting for termites, it helps to understand the different species that may be present in your area. The most common types of termites include:
- Subterranean Termites – The most destructive type, they build mud tunnels to travel from underground nests to wooden structures.
- Drywood Termites – Found in dry environments, they live inside wooden furniture and structures without needing soil contact.
- Dampwood Termites – These termites infest damp, decaying wood and are often found in humid coastal areas.
Knowing which type of termite is common in your region can help you tailor your inspection methods.
2. Perform a Thorough Visual Inspection
A detailed visual inspection is the first step in detecting termite activity. Focus on these key areas:
Exterior of Your Home
✅ Check your home’s foundation for mud tubes. These are small, brown tunnels that termites use to travel between the soil and wood.
✅ Examine wooden structures like fences, decks, and outdoor sheds for damage.
✅ Inspect tree stumps, mulch, and firewood piles near your home—termites often start in these areas before moving inside.
Interior of Your Home
✅ Knock on wooden beams, doors, and walls. If they sound hollow, termites may have eaten the wood inside.
✅ Look for buckling or blistered paint on walls—termites can cause moisture buildup inside walls, leading to bubbling paint.
✅ Inspect wooden floors and baseboards for cracks, sagging, or dark spots, which may indicate termite damage.
✅ Check window and door frames for unusual warping, as termites may be feeding inside them.
3. Look for Common Termite Warning Signs
Even if you don’t see termites themselves, they often leave behind signs of their presence. Some of the most noticeable signs include:
Mud Tubes
- Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel safely from the soil to wooden structures.
- These tubes can be found along basements, foundations, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.
- If you find a mud tube, break it open—if termites are inside, you have an active infestation.
Frass (Termite Droppings)
- Drywood termites leave behind tiny, wood-colored pellets as they tunnel through wood.
- Look for small mounds of these pellets near baseboards, window sills, and furniture.
Swarming Termites and Discarded Wings
- In spring and summer, winged termites (called swarmers) emerge to find new nesting sites.
- After swarming, they shed their wings, which are often found near windows, doors, and light fixtures.
Wood That Sounds Hollow
- Tap on wooden surfaces with a screwdriver or hammer. If it sounds hollow or feels soft and brittle, termites may be inside.
4. Use the Screwdriver and Flashlight Method
One of the most effective ways to check for termites is by using a screwdriver and flashlight:
- Take a screwdriver and gently probe wooden furniture, baseboards, door frames, and beams.
- If the wood crumbles easily or reveals tunnels inside, termites are present.
- Shine a flashlight into dark areas (such as basements and crawl spaces) to spot termite damage or mud tubes.
5. Listen for Termite Sounds
Believe it or not, termites make clicking and tapping sounds inside walls.
- Soldier termites tap their heads against wood to signal danger to the colony.
- If you hear a soft clicking noise inside walls, termites may be actively chewing through your home.
Try pressing your ear against the wall in a quiet room and listening for movement inside.
6. Set DIY Termite Detection Traps
If you suspect termites but haven’t found clear evidence, you can use DIY detection traps:
- Cardboard Trap Method:
- Place a stack of damp corrugated cardboard near areas where you suspect termites.
- Termites are attracted to cellulose and will gather inside the cardboard.
- If termites appear after a few days, it’s time to call a professional.
- Wooden Stake Test:
- Drive untreated wooden stakes into the ground near your home.
- After a few weeks, remove and inspect them for termite activity.
7. Inspect Your Attic and Crawl Spaces
Termites often invade hard-to-reach areas like attics and crawl spaces, where they can remain undetected for years.
🛠️ Use a flashlight to inspect wooden beams, rafters, and insulation.
🛠️ Look for mud tubes, wood dust, or weakened wood.
🛠️ Check for excess moisture—termites thrive in damp areas, so leaks or condensation can attract them.
8. Preventative Measures to Keep Termites Away
Once you’ve checked for termites, it’s important to take steps to prevent infestations in the future:
- Reduce Moisture: Fix leaks, improve ventilation, and use dehumidifiers.
- Remove Wood-to-Soil Contact: Keep wooden structures (fences, decks, etc.) at least 6 inches above soil.
- Store Firewood Away from Home: Keep firewood, mulch, and tree stumps at least 20 feet from your house.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Close any openings in your home’s foundation, windows, and doors to prevent termite entry.
- Apply Termite-Resistant Treatments: Consider treating wood with borate solutions or hiring professionals to apply barrier treatments.
9. Call a Professional for a Termite Inspection
If you suspect termite activity in your home, don’t wait—termites work quickly and can cause thousands of dollars in damage.
📞 When to Call a Professional:
- If you find mud tubes, live termites, or extensive wood damage.
- If you hear clicking noises inside walls.
- If DIY detection methods confirm termite presence.
Professional pest control experts use advanced inspection tools (moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras) and targeted treatments to eliminate termites and protect your home.
Final Thoughts
Termites can be destructive, but early detection is key to preventing costly damage. By following this step-by-step inspection guide, you can catch termites before they cause serious harm.
🔹 Perform regular checks in high-risk areas.
🔹 Look for common signs like mud tubes, hollow wood, and discarded wings.
🔹 Take preventative steps to protect your home.
If you spot signs of termites, act fast and contact a professional pest control service to prevent further damage.
Need expert termite inspection services? Contact us today!
Call a Professional for a Termite Inspection
If you suspect termite activity in your home, don’t wait—termites work quickly and can cause thousands of dollars in damage.
📞 When to Call a Professional:
- If you find mud tubes, live termites, or extensive wood damage.
- If you hear clicking noises inside walls.
- If DIY detection methods confirm termite presence.
Protect Your Home from Costly Termite Damage!
At Dirt2Tidy Pest Control, we offer expert termite inspection and treatment services to keep your home safe.
✅ Thorough termite inspections
✅ Eco-friendly and effective treatment solutions
✅ Licensed pest control professionals
