Termites work from the inside out, so the damage is structural long before it is visible. These are the early signals worth acting on.
Hollow-sounding timber
Tap along skirting boards and door frames. Termites eat the softer inner wood and leave a thin outer shell, so affected sections sound noticeably hollow compared with sound timber nearby.
Mud tubes and discarded wings
Pencil-width mud tubes running up foundations or garden walls are how subterranean termites travel while staying humid. They are one of the clearest confirmations of an active colony.
Small piles of shed wings near windows or light fittings mean a swarm has taken place — often the first thing a homeowner actually notices.
Why speed matters
A colony does not pause. Treating early usually means a targeted soil and timber treatment; leaving it means replacing structural elements as well. If you see any of the above, book an inspection rather than waiting to see whether it worsens.
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