Pest guide · Termites

Signs of Termites in Your House on the Central Coast

If you've found something around the house that looks a bit suspect, don't start pulling it apart or spraying it.

Termites can do a fair bit of damage before you even know they're there. Around the Central Coast, the mix of moisture, bushland, older timber homes and humid weather gives them plenty of opportunity.

Here are the main signs of termites in a house worth keeping an eye out for.

Hollow Timber

Give skirting boards, door frames or other timber a light tap.

If one section sounds hollow compared with the timber around it, there could be damage inside.

Termites usually work through timber from the inside, so the outside can still look fairly normal even when there's damage underneath.

Mud Leads

Mud leads are one of the more obvious signs of termite activity.

They look like small mud tunnels running over brickwork, piers, retaining walls or timber.

Termites use them to move around while staying protected.

If you find one, leave it alone.

Don't scrape it off to see what's inside. It's much easier to work out what's going on when the area hasn't already been disturbed.

Wings Around Windows or Doors

Small piles of wings around windows, doors or lights can also be a warning sign.

Termites can shed their wings after swarming and heading off to start new colonies.

One random insect wing isn't much to worry about.

A pile of similar-looking wings is worth getting checked.

Doors or Windows Suddenly Sticking

A sticking door doesn't automatically mean termites.

Humidity, movement in the house and swollen timber can all cause it.

But termite damage inside a frame can also cause doors or windows to start binding.

If something that has always opened normally suddenly starts sticking, especially with other suspicious signs nearby, it's worth having a closer look.

Bubbling Paint or Soft Flooring

Termite damage can sometimes look a bit like water damage.

Paint may start bubbling or blistering, and timber floors can feel soft or springy underfoot.

There are plenty of things that can cause this, so don't assume termites straight away.

But don't ignore it either.

And if you've heard someone talking about white ants, they're talking about termites. It's just an older name that's still commonly used.

Where to Look Around Your Home

Some parts of a property are more likely to hide problems than others.

Have a look around:

• underneath the house
• bathrooms and laundries
• hot water systems
• leaking plumbing
• garden beds against the house
• retaining walls
• old timber or firewood sitting on the ground
• timber touching soil
• damp or poorly ventilated areas

Homes around Gosford, Woy Woy, Erina, Terrigal and the wider Central Coast can all be a bit different.

Some are built on slabs. Some have tight subfloors. Some sit right next to bushland.

That's why the whole property needs to be looked at, not just the room where something suspicious was found.

Found Termites? Don't Spray Them

This is the big one.

If you find active termites, the first reaction is usually to grab the bug spray.

Don't.

Killing the few termites you can see doesn't mean the colony has been dealt with.

Spraying them or pulling the area apart can also disturb the activity and make it harder to work out where they're coming from.

The same goes for ripping off skirting boards, pulling timber apart or knocking down mud leads.

If you find something, take a photo if you want, then leave it alone and get it inspected.

What Happens During a Termite Inspection?

A proper termite inspection is more than walking through the house looking for bugs.

The accessible parts of the property are checked for:

• active termite activity
• previous termite damage
• moisture issues
• leaking plumbing
• poor ventilation
• timber-to-soil contact
• other conditions that can increase termite risk

Depending on the property, that can include the house, subfloor, roof space, exterior, gardens, retaining walls and other timber around the block.

Sometimes the biggest issue found isn't an active termite colony.

It might be a leaking pipe, damp subfloor or timber sitting straight on the soil creating ideal conditions for trouble later.

What If Termites Are Found?

First thing — don't assume the house is stuffed.

Every property is different.

The important thing is working out:

• whether the termites are active
• where they're coming from
• how much of the property is affected
• what conditions are contributing to the problem
• what treatment options make sense for that property

Once that's understood, the next step becomes much clearer.

Ultra Pest & Termites also uses Robuck, a termite detection dog, as another tool when investigating suspicious areas around a property.

He doesn't replace a proper inspection, but he can be useful when checking areas where termite activity isn't easy to spot visually.

Get It Checked Early

If you've found mud leads, hollow timber, strange wings or something around the house just doesn't look right, it's better to get it checked early.

Don't start ripping into it first.

Ultra Pest & Termites services homes across Gosford, Erina, Terrigal, Woy Woy, Wyong and the wider Central Coast.

The business is owner-operated, so the person you book with is the person who turns up and does the inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are white ants the same as termites?

Yes. “White ants” is just an older name commonly used for termites.

Can you spray termites yourself?

If active termites are found, it’s better not to disturb them before an inspection. Killing the termites you can see doesn’t mean the colony has been treated.

How often should a home be checked for termites?

That depends on the property and its risk. Moisture, surrounding bushland, previous termite activity and the condition of the building can all make a difference.

Does home insurance cover termite damage?

Many standard home insurance policies exclude termite damage. It’s worth checking your own policy rather than assuming you’re covered.

Do termites only attack timber homes?

No. Brick and slab homes can still contain plenty of timber that termites can get into.