Top 5 Signs You Need a Termite Inspection Immediately

Termites are one of the most destructive pests a homeowner can face. In Australia, termite infestations are more common than many people realise, and the damage they cause often remains hidden until it's too late. The best defence? Early detection and immediate inspection. If you notice any of the following warning signs, it’s time to book a termite inspection without delay. Acting fast could save you thousands in repair costs—and potentially your entire home’s structural integrity.

1. Hollow-Sounding or Damaged Timber

One of the clearest signs you may have a termite problem is when wood in your home sounds hollow when tapped. This occurs because termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer on the surface. In some cases, you might notice wood that crumbles easily or appears blistered or warped. If a door frame, skirting board, window sill, or floorboard feels weaker than usual or sounds empty, don’t ignore it.

This kind of internal damage often goes unnoticed until someone leans on a wall or bumps into furniture and realises the timber has lost its strength. By the time it gets to this stage, the termites could have been active for months—or even years. A prompt inspection is necessary to confirm the extent of the infestation and start immediate treatment.

2. Mud Tubes on Walls, Foundations, or Pipes

Termites need moisture to survive, and subterranean termites—the most common species in Australia—build mud tubes to maintain a damp environment as they travel between their colony and food sources. These mud tubes look like small, earthy tunnels about the width of a pencil and are often found along walls, plumbing lines, and foundation slabs.

If you see any mud tubes around your home, especially near timber structures, don’t break them off and walk away. Doing so may temporarily scatter the termites, but it won’t eliminate the colony. A termite inspection will identify the source of the tubes and determine how advanced the infestation is. The inspector may also find additional tubes in hidden areas that aren't visible during your own checks.

3. Discarded Wings from Swarmers

During certain seasons, particularly in spring or early summer, reproductive termites known as swarmers (or alates) emerge to mate and establish new colonies. After swarming, they shed their wings. These discarded wings are often one of the first visible signs of termite activity.

You may notice piles of wings on windowsills, near doorways, or caught in spider webs. While a swarm doesn’t necessarily mean your house is already infested, it’s a major red flag that a colony is nearby—and your home could be next. Because swarmers are often mistaken for ants, many homeowners dismiss their presence, losing a valuable opportunity for early intervention. If you see wings or flying insects you can't identify, call a termite inspector immediately.

4. Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows

If your doors and windows suddenly start to stick or are difficult to open and close, termites might be to blame. As termites consume wood and tunnel through frames, they can cause the wood to warp or swell due to moisture. This results in misaligned fittings, particularly around doors and windows.

While changes in humidity can cause similar symptoms, persistent sticking—especially in multiple areas of your home—should be taken seriously. This kind of subtle, gradual damage can be easy to overlook, but it’s often one of the earliest indicators of hidden termite activity.

During an inspection, professionals can determine whether the warping is due to termite damage, natural wear and tear, or environmental factors. If it’s termites, you’ll want to act quickly before they do further structural harm.

5. Clicking Sounds Inside Walls

Believe it or not, one of the most unusual ways to detect termites is by listening. Termites communicate and warn each other of threats by banging their heads against the wood or shaking their bodies. This creates a faint clicking or tapping noise, often described as the sound of paper rustling inside the wall.

You’re most likely to hear this in a quiet room, particularly at night when the house is still. If you hear strange noises coming from your walls or suspect something is moving inside them, don't brush it off as imagination. Combined with any of the other signs listed here, it's a strong indication that termites are active in your home.

A qualified inspector can use specialised listening devices or thermal imaging to detect activity behind walls and within structures that you can’t see or access.

Bonus Warning Signs to Watch For

While the top five signs are the most common, here are a few other red flags that could also suggest termite trouble:

• Paint that appears bubbled or blistered (often mistaken for water damage)
• Sagging or buckling floors
• Cracks in walls that seem unrelated to foundation movement
• Live termites spotted crawling near timber or soil

None of these signs should be ignored. Even if you only notice one or two, they could point to a much larger problem below the surface.

Why Immediate Inspection Matters

Termite damage is not just cosmetic—it can compromise the entire structure of your home. And since most homeowners' insurance policies in Australia don't cover termite-related damage, prevention is your best and most affordable strategy.

A professional termite inspection includes a thorough assessment of your home’s interior and exterior, including the roof void, subfloor, garden structures, and surrounding soil. Inspectors use advanced tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to detect termites in places you can’t see.

The sooner an infestation is found, the easier (and cheaper) it is to treat. Ignoring the signs or delaying action allows the colony to grow, leading to more extensive—and expensive—repairs.

When to Schedule an Inspection (Even Without Symptoms)

Even if you haven’t noticed any of these signs, it’s still a smart idea to schedule a termite inspection at least once a year. If your property has a history of termites, sits in a high-risk zone (like a coastal or humid area), or has timber structures and landscaping, you may need inspections every six months.

Regular inspections can help detect termites early, provide peace of mind, and support termite warranties if you’ve had treatments applied in the past.

Conclusion

Termites are not a problem you can afford to ignore. From hollow timber and mud tubes to swarming wings and strange noises in your walls, these pests often leave subtle clues before revealing the full extent of their destruction. If you’ve noticed any of the five signs discussed in this article, don’t delay. Schedule a professional termite inspection immediately. It could be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major renovation.

Protect your home, your investment, and your peace of mind—before termites take hold.

Bug Buster Gold Coast is here to offer affordable and professional pest control for your Gold Coast property. We treat a wide variety of pests, including termites, rodents, ants, spiders, and bed bugs, using eco-conscious methods. Our trained experts