TERMITES & INSPECTIONS
7 signs your Sydney home may need a termite inspection
A mark on timber or wall is not a termite diagnosis. But a few visible signs are worth recording early and discussing with a qualified timber-pest inspector.
Termites can be concealed, and the absence of a visible sign does not prove that a property is termite-free. Equally, many marks around a home have other causes. An inspection is about assessing the accessible evidence at a particular property and time.
Seven signs worth recording
- Mud-like shelter tubes. Fine earthen tubes on brickwork, piers, slab edges or service penetrations can be a sign of concealed insect travel.
- Timber that sounds hollow or feels damaged.Skirting boards, door frames and exposed timber deserve a closer look if they are unusually soft, thin or damaged.
- Swarmers or discarded wings indoors. A photo, the room and the date are more useful than trying to identify an insect from memory.
- Blistering or bubbling paint. Moisture, poor paint adhesion and other building issues can cause this too, so treat it as a prompt to investigate, not proof.
- Recurring moisture. Leaks, drainage issues, condensation or damp subfloor conditions should be addressed because they can affect timber and create favourable conditions around a building.
- Timber or garden materials against the house.Dense storage, untreated timber, mulch or garden beds close to walls can make observation and maintenance harder.
- Previous termite treatment or repairs. Keep any documents, labels, barrier records and repair invoices ready for an inspector. They give context, but do not confirm the current condition on their own.
What to do today
- Photograph the area from a few angles without pulling it apart.
- Note the room or exterior location, date and any recent moisture.
- Keep access to subfloor vents, slab edges and external walls clear where practical.
- Arrange repair of active plumbing leaks or drainage issues.
- For a rental property, report the concern in writing to the property manager or owner.
A termite management system can reduce risk, but it is not a permanent guarantee against termite entry. NSW guidance also stresses ongoing maintenance and regular inspections.
Know what an inspection can and cannot tell you
A timber-pest inspection is limited by access, visibility and the agreed scope. Furniture, stored items, wall linings, locked rooms, roof spaces and subfloors can affect what can be seen. A written report should explain inaccessible areas and any recommended further investigation.
For buyers, a general building inspection may identify visible termite damage but does not normally determine whether termites are currently present. Ask separately about a pest inspection and make sure the scope suits the property and your decision.
What to avoid
Do not break open tubes, damaged timber or suspected activity to “see inside”.
Do not apply household spray or a pesticide to suspected termite activity.
Do not seal ventilation, drainage or inspection access without professional advice.
Do not treat a visual sign as a property-condition certificate or purchase decision by itself.
Disturbing an area can make later assessment harder. Preserve what you can see, take notes and obtain property-specific advice.
When to arrange a termite inspection
- You see tubes, wings, unexplained timber damage or repeated moisture conditions.
- A prior treatment record is incomplete or you are unsure what was installed.
- You are buying, selling or renovating a property and need a defined inspection scope.
- Access changes after stored items, landscaping or building work are moved.
- You want a professional view of visible conditions and maintenance priorities.
The next step may be an inspection, building maintenance or a specialist referral depending on what is accessible and observed. No online checklist can confirm a property's termite status.
SEE SOMETHING CONCERNING?
Send the property details.
Text your Sydney suburb, property type, where you noticed the sign and a clear photo if it is safe to take one.