Termites rarely announce themselves. They work out of sight inside timber, and the damage can be well along before anyone notices. Many owners only find out when a door starts to stick or a skirting board crumbles under a vacuum. A little regular attention makes a big difference to the odds.
This post covers how termites get into homes and the signs to look for. It also looks at the barriers used in new and existing houses and the simple habits that lower the risk. The details here draw on Western Australian government guidance, but the same basic ideas apply in most parts of the country. Local conditions vary, so check with your council or a licensed pest controller in your area.
Why termites are a real risk for Australian homes
Termites are often called white ants. They feed on timber and can cause serious structural damage if left alone. The National Construction Code requires the structural parts of every new building to be protected from termite attack. That rule tells you how seriously the building industry takes the problem.
For decades, new homes were protected by spraying the sand pad under the slab with organochlorine chemicals. According to WA Consumer Protection, those chemicals have not been available since 30 June 1995. The Commonwealth stopped their use because of health and environmental concerns. The products that replaced them may not last as long, which is one reason regular inspections matter so much now.
Signs of termites to look for
The first clue is often a thin mud tunnel running up a wall, a pier or a timber post. Termites build these tunnels to protect themselves from light and dry air. Inside the house, you might see slight discolouration on a wall. Timber panelling can start to warp as the wood behind it is eaten.
A good time to look is during a big clean, when you are moving furniture and getting into corners. Our guide to full house cleaning in Perth covers the room by room routine. While you are down near the skirting boards, check for mud trails, soft spots and small holes. Pay close attention to wet areas such as the laundry and bathroom.
If you do find live termites, resist the urge to grab a can of household spray. The Western Australian Government fact sheet on termites and your home advises against disturbing them or pulling out the damaged timber. Doing so can make the colony harder to find and treat. Leave them in place and call a licensed pest controller to assess the problem first.
How often to have your home inspected
Inspections are the backbone of any termite plan. WA guidance says a licensed pest controller should check accessible timber and likely entry points every six to 12 months. Building and Energy recommends a professional inspection at least once a year. Homeowners are also encouraged to look for obvious signs themselves every six months.
If you are buying a property, termites deserve a place in the paperwork. WA Consumer Protection suggests including a White Ant Certificate clause in the Offer and Acceptance form. This helps confirm the home is free of termites and has no structural damage from them. It is worth adding to your list of moving costs along with the building inspection itself.
Termite barriers for new and existing homes
There are two broad kinds of protection. Physical barriers include stainless steel mesh, metal shields and crushed granite. Chemical barriers use termicide in the soil around and under the building. The WA fact sheet notes that a mix of the two can form an integrated barrier.
Stone barriers have one limitation. They are not suitable in tropical northern areas because larger termites can pass through the gaps. Treated timber is another option for houses, sheds and fences. Some homes also have a reticulated system under the slab so chemical barriers can be topped up later.
Bait stations are a different approach. Termites carry the termicide back through the colony, and it eventually reaches the queen. The WA guidance says a typical house needs about 30 bait stations. They must be checked regularly to work, and they are not always practical on small suburban blocks.
Existing homes often need drilling to retrofit a barrier. Building and Energy recommends this work is done only by licensed pest controllers. When a barrier goes in, a durable notice should be fixed somewhere obvious, such as the meter box. It records the system type, the install date and the expected life of the barrier.
Everyday habits that lower the risk
Termites love damp soil and hidden timber. Most of the simple prevention steps come down to keeping things dry, visible and off the ground. The WA government checklist includes the following:
- Fix leaking taps, pipes, drains and roofs quickly.
- Keep garden beds away from outside walls and use paving instead.
- Stop soil from covering weep holes and wall vents.
- Store firewood and spare timber away from the house, raised and covered.
- Keep the space under timber floors clear and well ventilated.
- Remove dead trees and old stumps promptly.
- Use metal stirrups for pergola, gate and verandah posts.
- Avoid untreated timber sleepers in retaining walls and garden beds.
Water is the common thread in that list. A yard that holds water after rain keeps the soil near your footings moist for days. If that sounds familiar, our post on why a landscape garden keeps flooding explains the usual causes. Sorting out the drainage helps the garden and the house at the same time.
Planting choices count as well. Thick mulch and dense shrubs right against the brickwork can hide mud tunnels from view. Choose a planting plan that leaves a clear strip near the walls. Our list of the best plants for landscape design in Australia can help you pick species that suit garden beds set back from the house.
Building or renovating with termites in mind
New building work has to meet the termite requirements in the National Construction Code. A building permit is usually needed, and the barrier details must be part of the application. The WA fact sheet points out that the rules protect the main structural parts only. Kitchen cabinets, built in robes and furniture are not covered.
Extensions need extra care. A new room or deck can cut through an existing barrier or cover up the slab edge inspectors rely on. Good design leaves slab edges exposed and allows access under timber floors. Ask your builder how the new work will join up with the protection you already have.
Frequently asked questions
Can I treat termites myself?
Household sprays are not recommended. The WA guidance warns that disturbing termites can make the colony harder to find. A licensed pest controller can locate the nest and plan a proper treatment. Chemical treatment is usually the only way to destroy the nest itself.
Do termite barriers last forever?
No barrier lasts forever. The durable notice in your meter box should state the expected life of the system. Chemical barriers may need to be topped up over time. Regular inspections are still needed whichever system you have.
Does home insurance cover termite damage?
Cover varies between insurers and policies, so check your own product disclosure statement. Read the wording carefully rather than assuming you are covered. If termite damage is not included, inspections and prevention become even more valuable. Your insurer can confirm exactly what your policy includes.
Are termites only a problem in older homes?
Any home with timber can be at risk, new or old. Modern homes must have termite protection built in, but it still relies on upkeep. Changes such as new garden beds or paving can bridge a barrier. That is why owners of newer homes also need regular checks.