Termites in Perth
Termites are wood-feeding insects that live in organised colonies and can cause significant damage when they gain access to buildings and timber structures. Because termite activity is often concealed within timber, walls or underground, an infestation may remain unnoticed for some time. Learn the warning signs, where termites may hide and what to do if you suspect activity around your property.
Common signs of termite activity
Termites can be difficult to detect because they often remain concealed within timber, wall cavities and underground areas. Some warning signs may indicate the need for a professional termite assessment.
Mud or shelter tubes
Mud-like workings appearing around foundations, walls, pipes or timber surfaces.
Hollow-sounding timber
Timber that may appear relatively normal outside but has been damaged internally.
Damaged timber
Weakened, fragile or visibly damaged wood around structural or decorative areas.
Changes to surfaces
Unusual changes around skirting boards, door frames, timber linings or painted surfaces.
Discarded wings
Small piles of wings around windows, doors or other areas following insect swarming.
Garden timber activity
Suspected termites found around timber, tree stumps, garden structures or soil.
Sticking doors or windows
Doors and windows becoming difficult to operate where surrounding timber has changed.
Visible termites
Termites noticed when damaged timber or concealed areas have been exposed.
Important: These signs do not automatically confirm an active termite infestation. If you suspect termites, leave the area as undisturbed as possible and arrange a professional assessment.
Where do termites hide?
Termites generally remain within protected environments that help maintain the conditions their colony requires. Depending on the species and property, activity may occur underground, within timber or behind concealed building areas.
Activity is not always where the first damage appears. Termites can move through concealed pathways before reaching an affected area.
Underground and within soil
Subterranean termite colonies and their concealed underground pathways.
Structural timber
Timber components that may provide suitable feeding material.
Behind walls and linings
Concealed wall cavities, internal finishes and protected building spaces.
Beneath floors
Subfloor areas and concealed spaces beneath a building where access may be limited.
Around foundations
Areas around slab edges, footings and locations where structures meet soil.
Roof and subfloor timbers
Suitable timber components and concealed structural spaces around the property.
Tree stumps and garden timber
Old stumps, buried timber and timber materials around landscaped areas.
Timber close to soil
Places where timber is touching or positioned close to ground level.
What can increase the risk of termite activity?
Certain conditions around a property may make termite access or activity more likely. Understanding these risks can help homeowners and property managers make informed maintenance decisions.
Timber-to-soil contact
Timber touching soil can provide termites with easier access to suitable feeding materials.
Excess moisture
Leaking pipes, taps, roof leaks and persistent moisture can contribute to favourable conditions.
Poor drainage and ventilation
Damp subfloor areas, drainage problems and restricted airflow may increase moisture-related risks.
Stored timber and firewood
Building materials, firewood and timber stored directly against a property can create concealed areas.
Tree stumps and buried timber
Old stumps and timber debris may provide additional cellulose material around a property's surroundings.
Obstructed inspection areas
Covered entry points, inaccessible inspection zones and disruption to existing termite management systems can complicate detection.
What should you do if you find termites?
Discovering what appears to be active termites can be concerning. The best immediate approach is to avoid unnecessary disturbance and arrange a professional assessment of the area.
Leave the area undisturbed
Avoid pulling apart timber, breaking mud workings or opening concealed areas.
Avoid household sprays
Spraying visible termites may disturb activity without addressing the colony.
Record what you noticed
Note the location and, if safe, photograph visible signs without disturbing them.
Arrange an assessment
A professional can assess the suspected activity and recommend suitable next steps.
Important: Disturbing active termite workings can make it harder to assess where termites are travelling. If the timber appears structurally unsafe, keep clear of the affected area and seek appropriate professional advice.
How can you reduce the risk of termites?
Property maintenance and regular professional inspections can help reduce termite risks and support earlier identification of potential problems. However, no preventative measure can completely eliminate termite risk.
Learn about Termite Control PerthInspections still matter. Even properties with termite management systems should continue appropriate professional inspections.
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Keep timber away from the building
Avoid storing firewood and unnecessary timber directly against walls.
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Address leaks and excess moisture
Repair leaking plumbing and investigate persistent damp conditions.
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Maintain drainage
Keep drainage around the property functioning properly where practical.
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Reduce timber-to-soil contact
Address unnecessary timber contact with soil and discuss vulnerable areas with a professional.
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Keep inspection areas accessible
Avoid covering areas around the building that need to remain visible for inspection.
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Protect existing management systems
Avoid disturbing termite inspection zones or installed management systems.
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Arrange professional inspections
Follow an inspection schedule appropriate to the property, its construction and termite risk.
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Investigate suspected activity
Have suspicious signs professionally assessed before disturbing the affected area.
When is professional termite assessment needed?
If you discover or suspect termite activity, avoid disturbing the termites or attempting to treat the area yourself. Disturbing an active area can make it more difficult to properly assess the extent and location of activity.
A professional termite assessment can help determine whether termites are present, identify areas of concern and establish appropriate management options.
Termite management differs from general household pest control and may involve specialised inspection, treatment and ongoing monitoring depending on the property and findings.
- Mud workings or suspected termite activity discovered
- Unexplained timber damage or weakened surfaces
- Discarded wings or signs of termite swarming
- Concerns around foundations, subfloors or structural timber
Termites in Perth: FAQs
Common questions about termite identification, hidden activity, timber damage and professional termite management.
Are termites and white ants the same thing?
Yes. White ants is a common name used for termites, although termites are not actually ants. They are wood-feeding insects that can damage susceptible building materials.
What are the common signs of termites?
Possible signs include mud workings, damaged or hollow-sounding timber, discarded wings and unusual changes around timber surfaces. A professional assessment is recommended when suspicious signs are found.
Can termites damage a house without being noticed?
Yes. Termites can remain concealed within timber, wall cavities and underground areas for extended periods. Visible damage may only become noticeable after activity has already occurred.
Should I disturb termites if I find them?
No. Avoid breaking open timber, disturbing mud workings or spraying visible termites. Leave the area as undisturbed as possible and arrange a professional assessment.
Does damaged timber always mean active termites?
No. Timber damage can have several possible causes. Even where past termite damage is present, a professional inspection may be needed to determine whether activity is current.
How often should a property be inspected for termites?
Inspection frequency depends on the property's construction, location, surrounding conditions, termite history and any management systems in place. A qualified termite professional can recommend an appropriate inspection schedule.
Can termite prevention completely eliminate the risk?
No. Termite management systems and maintenance measures can help reduce risk, but they do not eliminate every possibility of future termite activity. Ongoing inspections remain important.
What should I do if I suspect termites in a rental property?
Report the suspected activity to the property manager or landlord promptly. Avoid disturbing the affected area and arrange for appropriate professional assessment through the responsible property contact.
Concerned about termites or timber damage?
We provide professional termite assessment and targeted treatment for Perth homes and rental properties. Tell us what you've noticed and where the suspected activity is located so we can help determine the appropriate next step.