Updated 2024 by Andrew Mackintosh
I’ve sent so many people to this blog recently that I decided to update it with a bit more information. When I do a pre-purchase building inspection, part of the process is checking for visual signs of termites. Termite infestations can be hard to spot, but we use special equipment to check out high risk areas. Hearing termites at an inspection isn’t really a thing. It’s rare that you actually hear the little blighters if you’re not living in the house at the time – so when clients ask me if the sounds they heard at the open home could be termites, the answer is usually, but not always no. They then try and make a weird clicking sound and say is this what termites sound like? In most instances the noises people are referring to relate to nothing more than mice or cockroaches scurrying within wall cavities. Unfortunately, mice and cockroaches can even invade the most well-kept homes. Lately, possibly due to all these years of wet weather in Brisbane, I’ve found an increasing number of termite infestations. I thought it was time to update this blog to help prospective buyers understand exactly what’s going on the walls, floors and ceilings of the property.
What do termites actually sound like?
Check out this recording I did recently of what termites sound like!
That being said, termites can make a sound when they have been disturbed and feel threatened. The sound a termite makes is created by the termites banging their head/bodies on the sides of the tunnel or timber they are hiding within. In this video you will hear the audible clicking sound of the aggravated termites we discovered whilst undertaking building inspections Brisbane. These very active and destructive termites were actually located in a house in the inner-city suburb of Woolloongabba. You certainly do not have to be surrounded by bush or in a very leafy suburb to succumb to the destructive capabilities of termites. It is amazing how often termites are even found in new houses in new estates. In one instance we found termites in the framework supporting a spa bath whilst we were undertaking a handover inspection.
Are all termite infestations bad?
The sooner you discover and treat a termite infestation, the better the outlook for your property. If the home doesn’t have ant caps, if it’s near wooded areas, if there’s debris in the yard, it’s at higher risk for a termite attack. Yes, all termite activity is worrisome – and worth actioning, but if you catch the issue early, the destruction could be minimal. This termite invasion in this particular video was subsequently treated however not before considerable damage had occurred. It is imperative that annual pest inspections are carried out to detect possible termite activity before damage occurs to your property. Depending on the type of house construction you have and the level of susceptibility to termite attack, you should consider a form of termite protection. This may involve a chemical barrier around your house such as “Termidor” or the installation of bait stations etc. Consult your pest inspector as to what best suits your particular situation.
In addition to native termites, the West Indian drywood termite is a reportable introduced species found in Brisbane suburbs.
Should you require any advice regarding Brisbane building inspections or general construction feel free to contact Action Property Inspections.