Termites can cause damage long before you know they are there.
That is what makes them difficult to spot. You may not see a termite at all. Instead, you may notice small changes in timber, walls, floors, or other parts of your home.
Knowing the signs of termites can help you act early
At CBR Property Inspections, we inspect homes across Canberra and the ACT for termites, borers, and wood decay. We look for visible signs of activity. We also check for conditions that can support future termite attack.
In this guide, we explain the common signs of termites in the home, where to look, and when to arrange a professional termite inspection.
What Are the Common Signs of Termites?
Termites often stay hidden. This means the first warning signs may not look like a pest problem.
Some common signs of termites include:
Mud or shelter tubes
Damaged or hollow-sounding timber
Swollen timber
Doors or windows that become hard to open
Cracks near timber areas
Bubbling or damaged paint
Discarded wings
Moist or damaged timber
Signs of old termite treatment
One sign does not always prove that termites are active.
For example, cracked paint may have nothing to do with termites. Damp timber may also have another cause.
We look at the full picture during a pest inspection. We check the condition of the timber and look for evidence of current activity or past damage.
1. Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundations
Mud or shelter tubes are one of the more visible signs of termites.
Termites can build narrow tubes from soil, timber, and other materials. These tubes can help them move between their nest and a food source while staying protected.
Look for thin mud lines on:
External walls
Foundations
Slabs
Brickwork
Posts
Other areas where the ground meets the building
Do not assume every mud line means active termites.
An old tube may show past activity. A professional inspection can help determine what the evidence means.
2. Hollow or Damaged Timber
Termites feed on timber. Damage can weaken the inside of a piece of wood while the outer surface still looks normal.
You may notice timber that sounds hollow when tapped. Some areas may also feel soft, weak, or damaged.
Check places such as:
Skirting boards
Door frames
Window frames
Floorboards
Timber posts
Decking
Subfloor timber
Hidden timber damage is one reason a simple walk around your home may not be enough.
At CBR Property Inspections, we check accessible timber areas during our Canberra pest inspection. We inspect the interior, exterior, roof void, subfloor, grounds, and other areas where safe access is possible.
3. Doors and Windows That Suddenly Stick
A door that becomes hard to open may seem like a small building problem.
Sometimes it is.
Changes in timber can also be linked to moisture or termite damage. When timber swells or changes shape, doors and windows can start sticking.
Look for sudden changes in:
Door frames
Window frames
Wooden doors
Timber floors
This sign alone does not confirm termites.
We consider it along with other evidence during an inspection.
4. Cracks, Bubbling Paint, or Damaged Surfaces
Changes on walls can also be worth checking.
You may notice cracks, bubbling paint, or areas that look swollen. These changes can have many causes. Moisture is one common cause.
Termite activity can also affect timber behind wall surfaces.
This is where a proper inspection can help.
We use thermal imaging and moisture detection alongside our visual inspection. These tools can help identify signs of moisture or activity in areas that are not easy to see.
You should not treat a wall mark as proof of termites. Instead, use it as a reason to investigate further.
5. Discarded Wings Around the Home
Flying termites can leave their nest to start a new colony. After this stage, you may find small discarded wings.
Look around:
Windows
Doors
Window sills
Light areas
Entry points
Other places where insects may gather
A small pile of wings can be easy to miss.
It can also be easy to confuse termite wings with other insects. That is why identification matters.
If you find unexplained wings inside your home, arrange an inspection rather than guessing what caused them.
6. Termite Droppings or Pellets
Some types of timber pests can leave small pellets or droppings near damaged wood.
These can look like tiny grains or piles of sawdust.
Finding them does not always mean termites are active. Other timber pests can create similar signs.
Our timber pest inspections cover termites, borers, and wood decay. This wider check helps us assess what may be happening instead of focusing on one possible cause.
7. Moisture Around the Home
Moisture does not mean you have termites.
However, moisture can create conditions that support timber pest activity.
Check for:
Leaking pipes
Poor drainage
Damp subfloors
Water near foundations
Leaking gutters
Wet timber
Timber that touches the ground
These conditions can increase risk.
During our inspections, we note what we call conducive conditions. These are things such as moisture, poor drainage, and timber in contact with the ground that can attract or support timber pests.
Finding and fixing these conditions can help reduce future risk.
Where Should You Look for Signs of Termites?
Termites can enter areas that are difficult to see.
When looking around your home, pay extra attention to places where timber meets soil or where moisture is present.
Useful areas to check include:
Inside the Home
Check skirting boards, door frames, window frames, timber flooring, cupboards, and other timber features.
Look for damage, swelling, cracks, or changes that you cannot explain.
Under the Home
The subfloor can provide access to timber that you rarely see.
Look for mud tubes, damaged timber, moisture, and timber close to the ground.
In the Roof Void
The roof void can be easy to overlook.
Check accessible timber and look for damage or other signs of pest activity.
Around the Property
Do not only look inside the house.
Check decks, timber retaining structures, garden areas, fences, sheds, and other timber structures.
The more complete the inspection, the better you can understand the property's timber pest risk.
Can You Have Termites Without Seeing Any Signs?
Yes.
This is an important point.
The absence of obvious signs of termites does not prove that a home is free from termites.
Termites can remain hidden behind walls, below floors, or in other areas that are not visible during a normal inspection.
That is why we do not rely on a quick visual check alone.
Our termite and timber pest inspection combines a detailed visual inspection with thermal imaging and moisture detection. We check accessible areas where activity may start or remain hidden.
We also explain any areas that we could not safely access.
What Should You Do If You Find Signs of Termites?
Do not disturb the area more than necessary.
Do not assume the problem will go away. Do not remove damaged timber before it has been inspected.
Instead, arrange a professional pest inspection.
A proper inspection can help answer three key questions:
Is there evidence of termite activity?
Has the property suffered visible damage?
Are there conditions that could increase future risk?
These answers can help you decide what to do next.
If you are buying a property in Canberra, our pre-purchase inspection combines a building condition assessment with a timber pest inspection. This gives you a broader view of the property before you commit.
What Happens During a Termite Inspection?
We inspect the property in person.
Our pest inspection covers the interior and exterior, along with the roof void and subfloor where safely accessible. We also inspect the grounds, outbuildings, and fencing within the property boundary.
We look for:
Termites
Borers
Wood decay
Timber damage
Moisture
Poor drainage
Timber in contact with the ground
Other conditions that may support pest activity
We use thermal imaging and moisture detection alongside the visual inspection.
We then bring our findings together in a clear report. We explain what we found, where we found it, and what it means.
Our aim is not to give you a long list of problems with no context.
We want you to understand the property.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Termites?
You cannot remove every termite risk from a property.
You can reduce conditions that support termite activity.
Start with simple steps:
Fix leaking pipes and gutters.
Keep water away from the building.
Improve poor drainage.
Avoid timber touching the ground where possible.
Remove timber waste from around the home.
Keep subfloor areas well maintained.
Arrange regular timber pest inspections.
Regular checks can be useful even when you have not noticed any obvious signs of termites.
Early detection gives you more information. It can also help you address problems before they become harder to manage.
Signs of Termites vs Signs of Other Timber Pests
Not every timber problem comes from termites.
Borers can damage timber. Wood decay can also weaken timber and change its appearance.
That is why our inspections do not focus on termites alone.
Our reports cover termites, borers, and wood decay. We also look for conditions that may support pest activity.
This broader approach matters because two issues can look similar at first.
A damaged piece of timber may need closer investigation before you can identify the cause.
When Should You Book a Pest Inspection in Canberra?
You do not need to wait until you see clear signs of termites.
Consider a pest inspection when:
You have found unexplained timber damage.
You notice mud tubes or discarded wings.
Your home has damp or poorly drained areas.
You have timber close to the soil.
You are buying an established home.
You are concerned about a past termite problem.
You want to understand the current pest risk of your property.
For Canberra buyers, a building and pest inspection can be especially useful during the pre-purchase process.
Our building and pest report combines both inspections in one visit. The building inspection looks at the condition of the property. The pest inspection looks at termites, borers, and wood decay.
Final Thoughts
The most common signs of termites include mud tubes, damaged timber, hollow-sounding wood, sticking doors and windows, discarded wings, and unexplained changes around timber areas.
But termites do not always leave obvious signs.
Some activity can stay hidden behind walls, below floors, or in roof and subfloor areas.
That is why a professional inspection can give you more useful information than a quick visual check.
At CBR Property Inspections, we inspect homes across Canberra and the ACT for termites, borers, and wood decay. We use a detailed visual inspection, thermal imaging, and moisture detection to help identify activity and risk.
We give you a clear report that explains what we found and what it means.
If you have noticed possible signs of termites or want to check your home's timber pest risk, contact CBR Property Inspections to arrange an inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common signs of termites?
Common signs include mud tubes, damaged timber, hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings, sticking doors and windows, and unexplained changes to timber or surfaces.
Can termites be present without visible signs?
Yes. Termites can remain hidden in walls, subfloors, roof voids, and other areas. A professional inspection can check accessible areas for evidence of activity and damage.
Does damaged timber always mean termites?
No. Timber can become damaged because of moisture, age, decay, borers, or other problems. An inspection can help identify the likely cause.
How often should I get a termite inspection?
The right timing depends on the property and its risk factors. Regular inspections can help detect timber pest activity before damage becomes more serious.
Do I need both a building and pest inspection?
A building inspection and pest inspection look at different parts of a property. A combined inspection can give you a broader picture when you are buying a home.
What should I do if I find termite signs?
Do not ignore them. Arrange a professional pest inspection so the activity can be assessed and you can understand the next steps.
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