What Does Termite Damage Look Like?
In Australia, the threat of termites is very real and costly. They can cause thousands of dollars in damage before you even realise they’re there.
Many of our clients ask us, “What does termite damage actually look like?” If you know what to check for, you can catch these hidden invaders early, protect your home and save yourself a lot of money.
Hence, take a look at the common indicators of termite activity in your home, and what to do if you spot suspicious changes in your timber, floors or walls.
Early Signs of Termite Damage
Unlike ants or cockroaches, termites rarely show themselves. This is because their favourite food source is under your feet, inside your walls and above your head — in the timber that makes up your home.
Regularly looking for signs of termites in your house is essential, so you don’t get a nasty surprise after considerable damage has been done.
The early indicators of a termite infestation include:
- Unexplained cracks in walls or paint — termites’ tunnels have weakened the integrity of the wall.
- Bubbling/peeling paint — from moisture buildup.
- Timber that sounds hollow when tapped — can mean termites have been or are feeding inside.
- Skirting boards or window frames that are blistering or warping — due to either the termites’ tunnelling or the moisture they create.
- Tiny holes or grooves in wooden surfaces — their tunnels are becoming closer to the surface.
- Mudding — small dots of mud may appear on the surface of the walls. Mud can appear on the edges of windows and door frames.
- Doors or windows that suddenly stick or won’t close properly — their voracious appetites for wood have impacted the structure.
It’s common to confuse signs of termites with water damage, but there are key differences. For example, water damage will leave water stains around the area, and the wood is likely to be spongy to touch.
What Does Wood Eaten by Termites Look Like?
Telltale evidence of termite activity is hidden in your timber. Wood damaged by termites is literally eaten away from the inside out — aptly known as hollowing. If you break or peel back the surface, you may find:
A honeycomb pattern inside the wood.
Mud-filled tunnels or galleries.
Thin, fragile outer layers that crumble easily.
A hollow, papery sound when you knock on infested wood.
Timber that’s been eaten by termites loses its strength and eventually will collapse under pressure. This type of structural damage is serious — especially if it’s affecting load-bearing beams, flooring or wall frames.
Signs of Termites in Floors
Floors are a favourite entry point for termites, particularly if you have an older home or wooden subflooring. Some signs of termites in your floor include:
A soft or spongy feeling underfoot.
Floorboards that sag, dip or sound hollow.
Bubbling or peeling flooring finishes.
Discolouration or moisture patches with no visible leaks.
These symptoms often occur because termites have eaten away at the timber supports beneath. Again, the result is an expensive repair bill, or the floor giving way under your feet.
Other Warning Signs of Termites in Your House
Aside from wood damage, there are other types of termite evidence in your house you might notice:
Mud tubes — pencil-sized tunnels running up external walls or foundations, used by termites to travel between their nest and food source.
Discarded wings — found near windows, doors, or light fittings. These come from swarming termites (alates) that have shed their wings — meaning they’re now on the ground actively searching for a new nesting site.
Droppings (frass) — tiny, sand-like pellets that look like sawdust.
Noises in the walls — in quiet environments, you might hear clicking or rustling sounds coming from termites as they chew or communicate.
The Importance of Termite Awareness
Unlike pest controllers with a well-trained eye, homeowners often miss the early signs of termites — allowing them, albeit unintentionally, to feed undisturbed for months or even years.
The longer termites are left to dine on the timber in and around your home, the more extensive and expensive the damage becomes. Repairs can involve replacing structural timber, floors, decks, cabinetry or even parts of your foundations. Unfortunately, it’s likely your home insurance won’t cover the costs because a termite infestation is deemed an issue that could be prevented.
That’s why being aware, spotting and acting on signs of termite damage sooner rather than later can save you significant stress, disruption and money.
What To Do if You Find Evidence of Termites
If you suspect termites are attacking your house, avoid disturbing the area. Breaking open damaged wood or mud tubes might cause termites to retreat temporarily — but this will make them tougher to track or treat.
Instead:
- Take photos of any signs of possible termite activity you’ve found.
- Don’t disturb the termites — and avoid any kind of off-the-shelf, DIY treatment.
- Call Hills Guardian Pest Control for a termite inspection.
Our experienced technicians use specialised tools to confirm infestations and recommend the most appropriate treatment options according to your needs — whether it’s a termite baiting system, chemical barrier or a direct treatment to tackle the infestation.
You can take further steps to prevent future invasions, for example:
- Fix leaking taps, dripping drains and water sources — termites thrive in moist conditions.
- Don’t bring untreated lumber onto your property.
- Check mulch or compost for termite activity.
- Keep garden beds away from your home’s exterior walls.
- Know the signs of termites around your yard, or ask your termite control specialist for information about what to be on the lookout for.
- Book regular termite inspections and treatments.
Need Help Identifying Signs of Termite Damage?
If you’ve noticed suspicious marks on your walls, soft floorboards, or damaged timber — you may be dealing with a termite infestation.
Hills Guardian is your local, family-owned pest control company based right here in the Hills District. We’ve helped thousands of homeowners identify, eliminate and prevent termites from recurring using reliable methods and friendly, expert service.
With Hills Guardian, you benefit from:
- Licensed termite specialists.
- Fast, accurate termite detection.
- Tailored treatment plans.
- Safe and long-lasting solutions.
- Transparent pricing and a free quote.
- Scheduled treatments — we disturb your day as little as possible.
Don’t wait until it’s too late — termite damage can devastate your property. Our experienced technicians are committed to delivering efficient, effective termite control solutions — giving you peace of mind and a plan to protect your home for the long term. Chat with us today.
Termite Damage FAQs
Can I Treat Termite Damage Myself?
It’s not recommended to deal with termites on your own. DIY solutions may kill a few termites, but won’t remove the colony or stop ongoing damage. Instead, contact a professional who can determine exactly where termites are nesting, eliminate them completely and help you take the appropriate steps to prevent a repeat infestation.
How Quickly Can Termites Destroy a Home?
A well-established Subterranean termite infestation can eat through critical timber structures in just a few months, especially if left undetected.
Are Signs of Termite Damage Always Visible?
Not always. Some infestations remain hidden behind walls or under floors for years, and owners don’t find out until it’s time to sell their home, or something gives way. Regular inspections from local pest control experts are the best way to catch them early.