Termite damage is sneaky by nature. Termites eat timber from the inside out, so a piece of skirting board or a structural beam can look completely fine on the surface while being hollowed out underneath. That’s exactly why so many homeowners don’t notice a problem until it’s already significant.
Signs to Look For
Timber that sounds hollow or papery when you tap it is one of the most common giveaways. You might also notice small pinholes in timber or plaster, sagging floors or ceilings, paint that looks bubbled or blistered without any obvious water damage, and mud tubes, thin tunnels of dirt roughly the width of a pencil running up foundations, walls, or timber posts. Mud tubes in particular are a strong sign of subterranean termites actively moving between the soil and your home.
What Termite Damage Isn’t
Not every timber issue is termites. Wood rot from moisture, borer damage, and normal timber ageing can all look similar to an untrained eye. This is exactly why a proper pest inspection matters, an inspector knows the difference and won’t have you chasing a treatment plan for a problem that isn’t actually termites, or worse, missing a real infestation because it was mistaken for something harmless.
According to Archicentre Australia, undetected termite activity is one of the leading causes of costly structural repairs in Australian homes, precisely because the visible signs often appear only after damage is already extensive.
Where Damage Typically Shows Up First
Skirting boards, architraves, window and door frames, and timber flooring near external walls are usually the first places damage becomes visible, since these are closest to ground contact points where termites enter. Roof timbers and structural framing tend to show damage later, once activity has been established for longer, which is part of why regular inspections matter more than waiting for obvious signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check for termite damage myself?
You can look for the visible signs covered above, but termites are experts at staying hidden and damage is often only fully understood once someone with training checks subfloor, roof space, and structural timber properly. A DIY check is a starting point, not a substitute for a proper inspection.
Does termite damage mean the termites are still active?
Not necessarily. Damage can be old and the colony may have moved on, or activity could still be current. This is exactly what an inspection determines, since treatment decisions depend heavily on whether it’s active or historical.
Is termite damage covered by insurance?
Generally no. Most standard home insurance policies exclude termite damage since it’s classified as gradual deterioration rather than a sudden, unforeseen event, which is part of why prevention and regular inspection matter so much.
What should I do if I spot possible termite damage?
Book an inspection rather than guessing or waiting. If treatment is required, we’ll flag it clearly in your report so you can engage a licensed treatment provider with a clear picture of what’s actually going on.
Concerned about termite damage in your home? Call Kingfisher on 02 4910 4004 or email info@kingfisherinspect.com.au.
