Look for hollow-sounding timber, mud tubes on exterior walls, and tight-fitting doors. If you spot these signs, do not disturb them - call Priority Pest Services immediately for a professional inspection to prevent further structural damage.
- 1 in 3 Australian homes will experience termite damage in their lifetime
- Never spray termites with bug spray - it causes them to retreat and spread
- A professional termite inspection starts at $200
Why are termites so destructive in Sydney?
Sydney's warm, humid climate provides the perfect breeding ground for subterranean termites. One in three homes in Australia will experience termite damage in their lifetime. Whether you live in a heritage home in the Inner West or a newer build in the Hills District, your property is at risk if it isn't protected by a chemical barrier.
Top 4 signs you have termites
Termites eat wood from the inside out, meaning the damage is often severe before it becomes visible. Here is what you need to look out for.
- Hollow timber: Tap your skirting boards or door frames with a screwdriver handle. If it sounds hollow or papery, you may have an issue.
- Mud tubes: Look for pencil-sized mud tunnels running up your exterior brickwork or concrete stumps in the subfloor.
- Tight doors and windows: Termite activity produces moisture, which causes timber frames to warp and doors to jam.
- Flying termites (alates): On warm, humid evenings, winged termites leave the nest to start new colonies. Finding discarded wings on your windowsills is a major red flag.
"Never spray surface spray on termites. You will only cause them to retreat and attack another area of your home."
What to do if you find termites
The most important rule of termite management is: do not disturb them. If you break open a piece of timber and see white ants, tape it back up immediately. If you spray them with supermarket bug spray, the colony will simply abandon that feeding site and move to another, hidden area of your house. Instead, you need a professional termite inspection to map the extent of the infestation.
| Action | Result | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Spraying with bug spray | Termites retreat and hide | Never do this |
| Breaking open mud tubes | Termites rebuild elsewhere | Leave them intact |
| Calling a professional | Colony is mapped and baited | Do this immediately |
Key tips to protect your home from termites
- Book an annual termite inspection - the Australian Standard recommends every 12 months.
- Remove timber debris from under your home and around the subfloor.
- Fix leaking taps and pipes - termites are attracted to moisture.
- Keep garden mulch away from the exterior walls of your home.
Worried about termites in your home?
Priority Pest Services provides comprehensive termite inspections from $200 across Sydney. Do not disturb the termites - call us first and we will map the colony and recommend the right treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a termite inspection cost?
A comprehensive termite inspection starts at $200. This includes a full check of the interior, exterior, roof void, and subfloor.
Are white ants the same as termites?
Yes, "white ants" is just a common term for termites. They are not actually ants at all, but are more closely related to cockroaches.
How long does a termite treatment take?
Installing a chemical termite barrier around a standard home takes a full day (around 6-8 hours) for a team of two technicians.
Will my home insurance cover termite damage?
No, standard home insurance policies in Australia do not cover termite damage. It is considered a preventable maintenance issue.
How often should I get a termite inspection?
The Australian Standard recommends a professional termite inspection at least every 12 months, or every 6 months in high-risk areas.