Spring is peak termite season in Sydney. As the soil warms and humidity rises, subterranean termite colonies become active and start foraging. To protect your home, book an annual termite inspection, check your existing barrier, and remove the conditions that attract termites. A professional termite inspection starts at $200 and catches damage before it becomes a costly repair. Priority Pest Services has been protecting Sydney homes for over 20 years with licensed, insured termite inspections and treatments.
- Spring is peak termite season - colonies swarm and forage as soil warms
- 1 in 3 Australian homes will suffer termite damage in their lifetime
- An annual termite inspection starts at $200 and includes a written report
- Home insurance does not cover termite damage - prevention is your only protection
Why is spring the most dangerous time for termites?
Termites are active year round in Sydney, but spring is when they do the most damage. As temperatures rise and humidity increases, termite colonies produce winged reproductives called alates. These swarm on warm, humid evenings to start new colonies. If you see flying termites or discarded wings around your windowsills, a colony may be nesting nearby. At the same time, worker termites forage more aggressively, looking for new food sources. A home that was safe in winter can have active termites inside its walls by November.
"Termites eat timber from the inside out. By the time you see damage, the structure may already be compromised."
Which Sydney suburbs are at the highest risk?
Every Sydney suburb has termite risk, but some areas face more pressure than others. Homes near bushland, creeks and mature trees are at the highest risk because termite colonies live in the surrounding soil and forage into nearby properties.
| Risk factor | Why it matters | Common in |
|---|---|---|
| Bushland edges | Termite colonies live in surrounding bush and forage into homes | North Shore, Northern Beaches |
| Mature trees and stumps | Termites nest in old trees and stumps near the house | Hills District, Sutherland Shire |
| Older timber homes | Federation and inter-war homes with timber sub-floors are easy targets | Inner West, Eastern Suburbs |
| New estates on cleared land | Construction displaces colonies, which move into the new homes | Western Sydney, South Western Sydney |
How do you protect your home from termites this spring?
Termite protection comes down to three steps: inspect, barrier, and reduce the conditions that attract them. Here is what to do.
- Book an annual inspection: The Australian Standard AS 3660.2 recommends a professional termite inspection at least every 12 months. Homes in high-risk areas should be inspected every 6 months. An inspection starts at $200 and includes a written report.
- Check your barrier: If your home has a chemical or physical termite barrier, check that it is still current. Barriers can be bridged by garden beds, paving, extensions or new plumbing. If you do not have a barrier, now is the time to install one.
- Remove termite attractants: Fix leaking taps and downpipes, remove timber stumps and offcuts, keep garden mulch away from walls, and ensure sub-floor vents are clear so the area stays dry.
- Watch for signs: Check for mud tubes on walls and piers, hollow-sounding timber, tight-fitting doors, and discarded wings on windowsills. If you see any of these, do not disturb the termites and call us immediately.
What does a termite inspection include?
A professional termite inspection is a thorough check of every accessible area where termites could enter or hide. Our technician inspects the interior, roof void, sub-floor, exterior and garden. We use moisture detection tools to find hidden activity behind walls and skirting boards. You receive a written report detailing what we found, any damage, risk areas and recommended treatment. See our termite inspection service.
| Area inspected | What we check |
|---|---|
| Interior | Walls, skirting boards, door frames, wet areas and accessible timber |
| Roof void | Framing, bearers, joists and any signs of activity or moisture |
| Sub-floor | Piers, stumps, bearers and joists where access is safe |
| Exterior and garden | Fences, trees, stumps, retaining walls and garden beds near the house |
Do I need a termite barrier if I have an inspection?
An inspection finds termites early, but it does not stop them getting in. A termite barrier creates a treated zone in the soil around and under your home that termites cannot cross without contacting the active ingredient. Barriers work best when paired with regular inspections, because garden beds, paving and renovations can bridge a barrier over time. If your home does not have a barrier, or your existing barrier is old, spring is the right time to install one. See our termite prevention barrier service.
Key tips to reduce termite risk this spring
- Book your annual inspection before the summer swarm season starts in November.
- Fix leaking taps and downpipes - termites need moisture to survive and thrive.
- Remove old tree stumps and timber offcuts from the yard and near the house.
- Keep garden mulch at least 200mm away from exterior walls to avoid bridging your barrier.
- Clear sub-floor vents so the area under your home stays dry and ventilated.
- Do not store timber against the house - it is a direct food source and bridge for termites.
Is your home due for a termite inspection?
Priority Pest Services provides licensed termite inspections from $200 across Sydney, backed by over 20 years of experience. Do not wait until you see damage. Call us or request a free quote online to book your spring termite inspection today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a termite inspection?
The Australian Standard recommends at least every 12 months. Homes in high-risk areas near bushland should be inspected every 6 months.
How much does a termite inspection cost?
A professional termite inspection for a standard Sydney home starts at $200. This includes a full check of the interior, roof void, sub-floor, exterior and garden, plus a written report.
Does home insurance cover termite damage?
No. Standard home insurance policies in Australia do not cover termite damage. It is considered a preventable maintenance issue, which is why regular inspections and barriers are your only protection.
What do I do if I find termites?
Do not disturb them. Do not spray them or break open the timber. Call us immediately for a professional inspection. Disturbing termites causes the colony to retreat and spread to another part of the house.
How long does a termite barrier last?
It depends on the barrier type and site conditions. We will tell you the expected life of the barrier we recommend. Regular inspections make sure the barrier has not been bridged by landscaping or building work.