Queensland Government
Department of Housing and Public Works

Termites (white ants) cause more damage to homes in Australia than storms and fire combined. They can affect up to one in three houses in some parts of Australia. Notify the department immediately if you think your property has been affected by termites or have noticed termite activity.

How do I discourage termites in my home?

You can do the following to help keep termites away from your home.

  • Don't place garden beds, shrubs, trees or bark against the walls of your property.
  • Don't leave loose timber stacked against or under your home or in the yard.
  • Don't leave any objects leaning against the walls that also touch the ground.
  • Wood piles should be kept off the ground so you can see the mud trails should termites attack the timber.
  • Remove old tree stumps from your yard.
  • Report any suspected termite activity in fences and trees to the department immediately.
  • Ensure weep holes (purpose made gaps between bricks around the lower perimeter of the concrete slab on ground level brick dwellings) are left open to allow any moisture to escape the building.
  • Ensure hose taps are not left dripping.

How do I check if my property has termite activity?

Inside

  • Check for a dull hollow sound in timber finishings by tapping with your knuckles on the skirting boards, architraves and timber doors and window frames.
  • Look for blistered or bubbled paint, and rippled or bulging wall linings, skirtings or architraves.

Outside

  • Check for small mud tunnels against the walls and paths or trails leading up the foundation posts or brick walls into your home. These are more likely to be found in moist areas against the building and storage areas under the building.

What should I do if I think my property has termites?

If you think your property has termites, don't disturb any nests, mud tunnels, paths or trails. Contact the department's Call Centre if you are located in the Brisbane area or your local QBuild office maintenance section if in regional areas. The department will investigate the matter as soon as possible.