Signs of termites in Top End homes.
Coptotermes acinaciformis tunnels invisibly through timber for years before any visible signs surface. Here are the nine signs that should trigger an inspection call — and the three that are emergency.
External signs (5 of 9).
1. Mud tubes / leads.
Pencil-thick (3–8mm) tubes of soil, faeces and saliva running up external walls, foundation surfaces, or under-house piers. The most diagnostic sign of subterranean termites. EMERGENCY INDICATOR.
2. Frass piles.
Small piles of pellet-like faeces below timber. Different species have different frass profiles — drywood termites leave coarser dark pellets, subterranean termites leave less obvious frass mixed with mud. Check window sills, door frames, deck timbers.
3. Swarming alates.
During wet-season build-up (September–November in the Top End), reproductive termites swarm to start new colonies. Look for piles of discarded translucent wings on window sills, under outdoor lights, or near flying-insect screens. Indicates an established colony nearby (not necessarily your house yet).
4. Mud nests in trees / stumps.
Football-sized or larger mud nests in tree forks or old stumps in the yard. Often Coptotermes acinaciformis or Schedorhinotermes intermedius. A nest within 200m is feeding ground — your house is at risk.
5. Damaged outdoor timber structures.
Check fences, retaining sleepers, decking. Tap with a hammer — a hollow sound where solid is expected indicates internal galleries. External skin often looks intact (termites eat from inside).
Internal signs (4 of 9).
6. Drumming or rattling sound from walls.
Soldier termites “head-bang” against gallery walls as an alarm signal when disturbed. You may hear faint papery rattling inside walls when tapping. Most audible at night when ambient noise is low. EMERGENCY INDICATOR.
7. Sagging or buckling timber.
Skirting board pushed away from wall, architrave separating from door frame, floorboard sagging where it shouldn’t. Termites have hollowed the timber from inside. Late-stage damage. EMERGENCY INDICATOR.
8. Doors or windows suddenly tight.
A door or window that’s been opening fine for years suddenly binds. Often because the surrounding frame is being eaten and is subtly shifting. Could also be normal seasonal movement — but if it’s sudden, get it checked.
9. Paint blistering or surface bubbling.
Paint on internal walls or door jambs blistering in a small patch. Termites have hollowed the timber substrate and moisture / heat is deforming the paint. Tap with hammer to confirm hollow sound.
The three “call us today” signs.
If you see ANY of these, call within 24 hours:
- Visible mud tubes / leads on the foundation or external walls.
- Drumming/rattling sound from walls at night.
- Sagging or buckling internal timber, especially around skirting and architraves.
These indicate active colony involvement with the building structure. Delaying treatment by 6 months can mean structural repair instead of treatment alone.
What NOT to do if you find signs.
- Don’t spray DIY insecticide. Termites scatter when disturbed by surface chemicals, making them harder to find AND splitting the colony into multiple feeding fronts.
- Don’t knock down the mud tubes. Leave them in place — they help us trace the entry route. Photograph and call.
- Don’t open up walls to “see how bad it is”. You’ll destroy evidence and possibly speed colony scatter.
- Don’t accept “urgent treatment” on the day from a door-knock operator. Get an independent inspection report before any treatment quote.
Where we work.
See any of the 9 signs?
Same-day or next-day inspection available.