Termite inspections & control in Sydney

Termites, or "white ants", are the pest Sydney homeowners worry about most, and for good reason. They work hidden inside walls, floors and roof timbers, and by the time damage is obvious it has often been going on for months. Many home insurance policies don't cover termite damage, so it pays to check your policy and catch activity early.

Sydney's main culprits are subterranean termites, especially Coptotermes species. They nest in the ground, in tree stumps and in hollow trees, then travel out through underground galleries and mud "shelter tubes" to reach timber. CSIRO notes they usually forage within about 30 metres of the nest, and sometimes 100 metres or more, so a colony in a neighbour's old stump or a nearby reserve can reach your house.

Signs of termites to look for

• Mud tubes or "leads" running up brickwork, piers, slab edges or inside cupboards.
• Timber that sounds hollow when tapped, or skirting boards and architraves that crumble.
• Bubbling or rippled paint, or plaster with fine lines of dried mud in it.
• Doors and windows that suddenly stick, as damp termite workings swell the frames.
• Piles of discarded wings on window sills after a warm, humid evening, a sign of a nearby swarm.
• Damage to garden timber such as sleepers, fence posts and stumps close to the house.

If you find live termites, don't spray them or break open their workings. Disturbed termites usually retreat and pop up somewhere else, which makes it harder for a technician to track and treat the colony.

What termite treatment usually involves

Every job is different, but a typical process looks like this:

1. Inspection. A licensed timber pest inspector checks the interior, roof void, subfloor, exterior and garden, often with a moisture meter and thermal camera, and gives you a written report. Australian Standard AS 3660.2 recommends inspections at least every 12 months, and more often in high-risk spots.
2. Dealing with active termites. If termites are active, the technician may use a dust, foam or bait to knock out the colony before building a barrier.
3. Long-term protection. Options include a chemical soil treatment zone around and under the home, or a monitored baiting system. Your technician should explain which suits your house construction and why.
4. Follow-up. Regular inspections keep the protection working and catch any new activity.

Treatment costs depend on the size of the home, construction type, access and how widespread the activity is, so the expert will inspect before giving a firm price.

When termites are most active in Sydney

Termites feed all year round, but they're most noticeable in the warmer months. Winged reproductives (alates) leave mature colonies on warm, humid evenings, usually around dusk, mostly from spring into summer. CSIRO describes these swarms happening during humid periods in the warmer months. If you see a swarm around your lights, it's a strong hint there's a mature colony nearby.

Lower your termite risk today

• Fix leaking taps, hot water overflows and air-conditioner drains that keep soil damp against the house.
• Keep garden beds, mulch and soil below the slab edge and weep holes, and don't stack timber against the walls.
• Remove old stumps, sleepers and timber offcuts from the yard.
• Keep the subfloor well ventilated and clear so inspectors can get in.
• If you're buying, get a pre-purchase timber pest inspection before you exchange.

Termites in South West Sydney

Older homes with timber floors, bushland-edge streets and suburbs with lots of mature eucalypts all carry higher risk. Brand-new estates aren't immune either: new homes need a termite management system, and it only works if garden beds, paths and paving don't bridge over it.

Frequently asked questions