Termites are one of the most destructive pests Australian homeowners face, causing millions of dollars in damage every year. Often called “silent destroyers,” termites can eat away at the structural timber in your home for years before showing any obvious signs.
At The Eliminator, we stay on top of the latest research and technology to provide our customers with the most accurate, effective termite detection and prevention methods. But there are also some tell-tale signs that you can look out for yourself.
Signs You May Have Termites in Your Home
While termites can be difficult to detect without professional tools, here are some indicators you should never ignore:
Hollow-Sounding Timber
Tap on timber beams, floorboards, or skirting boards. If they sound hollow, it could mean termites have eaten away the inside.
Soft or Crumbling Wood
Timber that breaks easily, flakes at the touch, or seems brittle could be termite damaged.
Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites build narrow mud tunnels to protect themselves from air and predators as they move between nests and food sources. These are often found on walls, foundations, or subfloors.
Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites leave behind small, pellet-like droppings that may resemble sawdust or sand. You might see piles near window sills or wooden furniture.
Swarming Termites or Discarded Wings
If you spot flying termites inside your home or find small piles of discarded wings near entry points or windows, you could have an active colony.
What’s New in Termite Detection?
While homeowners should remain vigilant, researchers around the world are also working hard to develop high-tech termite detection tools. Here’s a look at some fascinating breakthroughs and what they could mean for the future of termite control.
CT Scans for High-Value Items
In museums, where invasive inspections are off-limits, scientists in the US have used CT scanning to locate drywood termites in furniture and picture frames. These detailed scans reveal both live termites and internal damage without breaking open valuable items. The same technology could one day help detect hidden termite activity in heritage homes or valuable timber furniture.
Smarter Termite Detection Devices
New technology using acoustic and temperature sensors is showing promise in identifying not only the presence of termites but even estimating their population size. Using artificial intelligence, researchers improved detection accuracy to over 97% in lab tests. While this is still in development, it’s a sign of how future termite inspections may become even more precise.
Stress Wave Technology in Utility Poles
Even timber utility poles are being monitored for termite activity using stress wave propagation—essentially sound waves sent through the wood—and pattern-recognition algorithms. This system can detect damaged poles with up to 92% accuracy, a breakthrough that may one day extend to home inspections as well.
Termites Thrive Where You Least Expect
One important takeaway from recent studies is that termites can survive in controlled environments much longer than expected. In one case, drywood termites lived undetected in a museum storage room for over 15 years—even with strict temperature and humidity controls.
This reinforces a crucial point: termites don’t need to be outdoors to survive. They can remain hidden for years in timber furniture, wall voids, or under flooring—until significant damage is done.
What Should You Do?
If you suspect termites, it’s important to act quickly. DIY treatments rarely solve the problem and often delay proper intervention.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Book a professional termite inspection at least once a year.
- Avoid disturbing suspected activity, as this can cause termites to retreat deeper into the structure.
- Keep your property well ventilated and dry, especially subfloors.
- Don’t store timber, firewood, or cardboard close to your home’s exterior.
Need Expert Help?
At The Eliminator Pest Control we combine proven inspection techniques with the latest tools to deliver thorough, effective termite protection. Whether it’s your home, shed, or even heritage timber furniture, we can help you safeguard your investment from these silent invaders.
Call us today to book a termite inspection or learn more about our protection plans.