What are the first signs of termites?
- Mud tubes along walls, foundations or hidden corners
- Sagging or uneven floors and ceilings
- Flickering lights or unexplained power issues, since termites are drawn to wiring warmth
- Discarded wings near windows after a warm, humid evening
- Small dark droppings (frass) near timber structures
Often operating silently and out of sight, termites can spend years working through wooden structures without leaving obvious signs of their presence. Knowing the subtle indicators they leave behind can help you catch an infestation early, before the problem escalates.
Key Signs of Termite Infestation
Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites are the most common species in Australia and typically live underground. Because their exoskeletons need shelter when travelling above ground, they build mud tubes from soil and droppings to move safely between the nest and a food source. These tubes turn up along walls, foundation beams or hidden corners, and are easy to overlook. If you spot one, treat it as a strong sign that termites are present. Keeping the area around your home free of excess moisture can help deter their construction. See our subterranean termites guide for more on this species specifically.
Frequent Power Issues
Termites are drawn to the warmth generated by electrical wiring inside walls. Frequent outages, flickering lights or short circuits can point to activity, and earthy material such as mud or soil around outlets and fittings is a further clue. Electrical work should always go to a licensed electrician. We can work alongside your electrician if termite activity is confirmed as the cause.
Sagging Floors and Ceilings
Cracks, blisters or noticeable dips in floorboards or ceiling beams can mean termites have been feeding on the timber from the inside out. This kind of damage affects structural integrity and is worth a professional check as soon as you notice it.
Damaged Roof Tiles
Loose or damaged roof tiles let moisture build up underneath, creating conditions termites favour. If tiles are damaged or loose, it is worth checking for activity, since the issue can also lead to leaks and further deterioration.
Termite Swarmers
Mature colonies send out winged reproductives, or swarmers, once or twice a year, usually in warm, humid conditions, to establish new colonies nearby. Discarded wings on windowsills or in spider webs point to a mature colony close by. Swarmers found indoors indicate an active infestation and are worth acting on immediately.
Termite Droppings (Frass)
Frass varies by species: subterranean termites use it to help build tunnels, while drywood termites produce waste resembling fine sawdust. It is often found near hiding tubes or wooden structures, and can accumulate into small piles that resemble dead ants over time.
Cracked Paint or Plaster
Bubbling, flaking or cracking paint can have several causes, including moisture introduced by termites burrowing through wooden structures. Worth investigating if it appears alongside any of the other signs above.
Termites in Your Garden
Termites in the garden or yard are a warning that they may move indoors next, since they establish colonies close to a food source and will follow it into the house. Address any garden activity promptly rather than assuming it is separate from the property itself.
Suspect a Termite Infestation? Here’s What to Do
- Do a preliminary check around windows, doors and the areas listed above for visible signs
- Avoid DIY treatments, which are often ineffective and can delay proper treatment while the colony keeps growing
- Book a professional inspection so a technician can assess the foundation, walls and other vulnerable areas
- Discuss preventive measures for after treatment, including moisture control and any timber repairs that could otherwise attract termites again
- See also our guide to annual termite inspections for ongoing protection once the immediate issue is resolved.
Get Termite Control from Tom’s Pest Control Adelaide
We remove active termites and install physical barriers to protect against future infestations. Contact Tom’s Pest Control Adelaide, call (08) 8876 5311, or visit our termite inspection and treatment page.
FAQs
Can termites cause electrical problems?
Yes. Termites are attracted to the warmth of wiring inside walls, and activity near electrical fittings can cause flickering lights or outages. Any electrical work should go to a licensed electrician, not be attempted as a DIY fix.
How quickly should I act if I find mud tubes?
As soon as practical. A mud tube is a strong sign of an active colony, and the longer it goes unaddressed, the more established the infestation typically becomes.
