8 Key Signs Of Termites Every Homeowner Should Know

Territory Pest Control • March 11, 2025

Termites are a silent but destructive threat to homes, often causing significant structural damage before being detected. Recognising the early warning signs of termites can help homeowners take action before infestations become costly. Here are eight critical signs that termites may be lurking in your home.

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1. Hollow or Damaged Wood

One of the most common signs of termites in a house is wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving behind a thin, weak exterior that crumbles easily. If your wooden structures, flooring, or furniture sound hollow or appear brittle, it could indicate termite activity.

2. Mud Tubes Along Walls & Foundations

Mud tubes are one of the most visible early warning signs of termites. These pencil-sized tunnels, usually found along foundations, walls, and wooden structures, provide moisture and protection for termites as they travel between their colony and food sources. If you spot these tunnels around your home, it’s time to consider a termite inspection in Darwin .

3. Discarded Wings Near Windows & Doors

Swarming termites, or alates, shed their wings after finding a new place to establish a colony. Finding piles of tiny, transparent wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures is a strong indicator that termites have entered your home. This often happens during the warm, humid months when termites are most active. Since termites are attracted to light, you may also notice these wings near outdoor lamps or inside window sills. Ignoring this sign can lead to a full-blown infestation, causing structural damage over time.

4. Tight-Fitting Doors & Windows

Have your doors or windows become difficult to open or close? This can be caused by termites warping the wood as they consume it from within. Homeowners often mistake this for humidity-related swelling, but persistent sticking doors and windows could mean termites are damaging your home’s wooden structures. Over time, this can weaken door and window frames, leading to costly repairs. If you notice this issue along with other termite signs, a professional inspection is highly recommended.

5. Peeling or Bubbling Paint & Wallpaper

Termites produce moisture when tunnelling through walls, which can cause paint or wallpaper to bubble, crack, or peel. This is often mistaken for water damage, but if you notice these changes without any leaks, termites may be the hidden cause. You might also find discoloured or uneven surfaces, which indicate internal termite activity. Ignoring these signs can lead to severe structural damage over time.

6. Clicking Sounds Within Walls

Surprisingly, you might be able to hear termites at work. When disturbed, soldier termites make clicking or tapping sounds by banging their heads against the wood to signal danger. Additionally, worker termites continuously chew through wood, which can sometimes be heard in quiet conditions. If you notice unusual sounds, especially at night when the house is silent, it could be a sign of an active infestation. A professional termite inspection can help confirm and address the issue before significant damage occurs.

7. Termite Droppings (Frass)

Drywood termites leave behind small, pellet-like droppings, known as frass, as they tunnel through wood. These tiny mounds of sawdust-like material often appear near infested areas, such as window sills, door frames, or wooden furniture. Unlike regular dust or dirt, frass is typically uniform in size and shape, making it a clear sign of termite activity. If you spot these granules, a termite treatment in Darwin should be arranged immediately to prevent further damage.

8. Sagging or Weak Floorboards & Ceilings

If your floors feel spongy, uneven, or weak, termites could be eating away at the underlying support structures. Similarly, sagging ceilings or walls with cracks may also indicate a termite infestation. As termites hollow out wooden beams and flooring, the structural integrity of your home weakens, increasing the risk of costly repairs. These signs often go unnoticed until the damage is severe, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and early intervention.

Why Early Detection is Crucial 

Termites work quickly and quietly, often causing extensive structural damage before their presence becomes obvious. These pests can weaken load-bearing beams, hollow out flooring, and compromise the integrity of your home’s foundation—all without visible warning signs in the early stages. Since termites are often hidden within walls, ceilings, and wooden structures, an infestation can go unnoticed for months or even years.

The Best Way to Protect Your Home

The most effective way to safeguard your property is with regular termite inspections in Darwin. Professional pest control experts can identify infestations early and provide targeted solutions to eliminate termites before they spread.

Book a Termite Inspection or Treatment Today 

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t wait for the damage to worsen. At Territory Pest Control , we offer termite treatment in Darwin to protect your home from costly infestations. Contact us today  to schedule a professional termite inspection.

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