(function(w,d,t,r,u){ var f,n,i; w[u]=w[u]||[]; f=function(){ var o={ti:"283028293", enableAutoSpaTracking: true}; o.q=w[u]; w[u]=new UET(o); w[u].push("pageLoad") }; n=d.createElement(t); n.src=r; n.async=1; n.onload=n.onreadystatechange=function(){ var s=this.readyState; s&&s!=="loaded"&&s!=="complete"||(f(),n.onload=n.onreadystatechange=null) }; i=d.getElementsByTagName(t)[0]; i.parentNode.insertBefore(n,i) })(window,document,"script","//bat.bing.com/bat.js","uetq");
top of page
Termite attack in log in garden

Found Termites in Your House

What Brisbane Homeowners Should Do

Don't panic - disturbing termites can make treatment harder.

Follow the steps below or call for advice

What Happens When You Discover Termites in Your Home

Found Termites in Your Home? Here's What To Do Next

Discovering termites in your home can be alarming, but the most important thing is not to panic and not to disturb them.

Termites are extremely common in Brisbane and across South East Queensland. Because they work hidden inside walls, floors and roof timbers, homeowners often only notice them once damage or activity becomes visible.

If you have discovered live termites, mud leads, damaged timber or hollow-sounding wood, the best step is to have the activity professionally assessed as soon as possible.

At Results Termite & Pest Control Services, we have been helping Brisbane homeowners manage termite activity for over 35 years, providing professional termite inspections and clear treatment recommendations.

What To Do If You Find Termites (Quick Guide)

If you discover termites in your home:

1

Do Not Disturb Them

Disturbing termite workings can make it harder for technicians to locate the colony.

2

Do not spray them with insecticide or fly spray

Household sprays or insecticides can cause termites to scatter deeper into the structure.

3

Do not remove damaged timber

Removing affected timber may disrupt termite activity and hide important evidence.

4

Take a photo if possible

Photos can help identify the type of activity when speaking with a professional.

5

Arrange a professional termite inspection as soon as possible

A qualified inspection will determine whether termites are active and recommend appropriate treatment.

Disturbing termites can cause them to retreat deeper into the structure, making treatment more difficult and potentially allowing damage to continue unnoticed.

Common Signs of Termite Activity in Brisbane Homes

Homeowners often discover termites after noticing changes in timber structures. Common warning signs include:

  • Mud leads along walls or foundations

  • Bubbling or distorted paintwork

  • Damaged skirting boards or door frames

  • Termite activity in roof voids or subfloor areas

  • Hollow sounding timber

live termites discovered inside timber wall cavity
termite workings in floor boards
termite mud leads running along brick sub floor wall of Brisbane home

Live termites in wall behind wall boards

Damage to timber floor boards

Mud leads in sub floor

Signs that you should have termite protection

Are These Definitely Termites?

Termites

Termites are sometimes mistaken for ants. However termites have several distinctive characteristics:

  • Straight antennae

  • Soft pale coloured bodies

Are These Definitely Termites?
  • No narrow waist between body segments

  • Often found near mud leads or damaged timber

Ants

  • Bent antennae

  • Darker bodies

Close-up of an ant showing bent antennae, dark body and narrow waist often mistaken for te
  • Narrow waist between body segments

​If you are unsure whether the insects you have discovered are termites, a professional inspection can confirm this quickly

Confirm Active Termites

Termite attack

Identify the termite species

Locate termites

Locate Entry Points

Treatment for Termites

Recommend Treatment

What Happens When We Inspect a Home With Termites

When termites are discovered in a property, our first step is to determine exactly what is happening inside the structure.

1. Confirm Active Termite Activity

We inspect the area where termites were found and assess surrounding areas to determine whether activity is current or historical.

What Happens When We Inspect a Home With Termites

2. Identify the Termite Species

Different termite species behave differently. Identifying the species helps determine the most effective treatment approach.

3. Locate Entry Points and Conducive Conditions

We assess how termites entered the structure and identify moisture sources, structural entry points or nearby nests.

4. Provide Treatment Recommendations

Based on the inspection findings, we recommend appropriate termite treatment options and long-term protection strategies.

Termites are very common in Brisbane

Why Termites Are So Common in Brisbane

Brisbane’s warm climate and soil conditions create ideal conditions for subterranean termites.

Professional termite inspections are essential across South Queensland

For this reason termite inspections and termite management systems are strongly recommended for homes throughout South East Queensland.

Professional termite inspections are typically carried out in accordance with Australian Standard AS 4349.3 – Timber Pest Inspections, which outlines the recommended process for identifying termite activity and damage.

Why Termites Are So Common in Brisbane

Why Termites Can Return to the Same Property

Previous termite activity can increase the likelihood of future problems if protection is not maintained

Termites build underground tunnel networks allowing them to travel safely between colonies and structures.

Even if one colony is removed, other nearby colonies may still
access the structure using these underground pathways.

Regular termite inspections and protection systems help reduce the risk of future infestations.

Subterranean termites can create underground tunnel networks that allow colonies in the surrounding area to reach a structure.

In South East Queensland, it is common for multiple termite colonies to exist within the same neighbourhood.

termite-underground-tunnel network risk brisbane

Why termites will return!

Found Termites? We Can Help

If you have discovered termites or signs of termite activity, we can arrange a free assessment of the specific area of concern.

Our technician will confirm whether termites are active and recommend the most appropriate treatment options for your property.

Found Termites?

Free termite check of the affected area, with treatment recommendations and a quote if required.

No obligation free quote

Found termites

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I spray termites if I find them?

No. Spraying termites with household insecticides can cause them to scatter deeper into the structure, making the infestation harder to locate and treat.

Do termites mean my house is badly damaged?

Not necessarily. Many termite infestations are discovered before major structural damage occurs.

How quickly should termites be treated?

Termites should be professionally assessed as soon as possible to prevent further activity within the structure.

Can termites go away on their own?

No. Termite colonies continue feeding as long as a food source is available.

How long can termites be in a house before being noticed?

Termites may remain hidden inside walls, floors or roof timbers for months or even years before visible signs appear.

bottom of page