Warm temperatures, summer humidity, and frequent rain create ideal conditions for subterranean termites. The good news is that consistent inspection, smart building details, and a practical maintenance routine will keep most homes safe and sale ready.
Why Brisbane homes face high termite pressure
Moist soil and warm nights drive termite foraging for much of the year. Gardens that hold moisture near slab edges, timber landscaping close to the house, and shaded perimeters all increase risk. Older homes with patchy protection and renovations that bridged older barriers are common trouble spots I find during pre-sale inspections.
How termites get in
Termites do not need a wide opening. They exploit tiny gaps, hidden pathways, and anything that connects soil to timber.
- Weep holes and mortar joints that are blocked by soil or garden beds
- Service penetrations that were not properly sealed or that have deteriorated
- Decks, steps, or ramps that bridge inspection zones and contact cladding or bearers
- Timber garden edging or sleepers set against the house
- Cracks in slabs and cold joints that align with concealed voids
Keep these areas visible and accessible so your inspector can verify that the barrier remains intact.
Signs of termite activity I often see
- Pencil thick mud tubes on slab edges, masonry, or piers
- Bubbling paint, rippled skirtings, or soft spots in door jambs and window reveals
- Frass and fine mud in expansion joints or around architraves
- Hollow sounding timber when tapped
- Alate wings near windows or lights after summer rain
Do not disturb suspected activity. Contact a licensed technician to assess and propose a safe treatment plan.
Brisbane homeowner prevention checklist
Use this list to protect your home between professional inspections.
- Maintain a clear inspection zone around the slab edge. Avoid garden beds, pebbles piled high, or stored items against the wall.
- Keep weep holes visible and unobstructed along the entire perimeter. Do not cover them with render or landscaping.
- Divert downpipes to drains and maintain good site drainage so water flows away from the house.
- Fix leaks at taps, hot water systems, air conditioning condensate lines, and irrigation fittings.
- Store firewood, timber, cardboard, and mulch away from the house.
- Use termite resistant materials for renovations where practical. Consider treated timber, masonry, and steel in contact with ground.
- Check subfloor ventilation and remove debris under raised floors. Maintain adequate airflow.
- Do not attach new structures that bridge barriers. Use steel stirrups and stand offs where possible.
- After any renovation or landscaping, book an inspection to confirm your protection remains effective.
Treatment and protection options that work in Brisbane
Termite management is most effective when the system suits the site and the homeowner is prepared to maintain it.
Physical barriers and inspection zones
Homeguard or plastics with chemical impregination and slab design details can block concealed entry and make detection easier. I recommend these for new builds or major renovations. The goal is a continuous, visible perimeter with clear inspection zones. Keep the zone clean so mud tubes cannot form unnoticed. can block concealed entry and make detection easier. I recommend these for new builds or major renovations. The goal is a continuous, visible perimeter with clear inspection zones. Keep the zone clean so mud tubes cannot form unnoticed.
See the Queensland Building and Construction Commission guidance on protection and maintenance for homeowners at the QBCC Protect against termites page. It explains systems and the need to keep inspection paths visible and accessible.
Chemical treated zones
Modern soil treatments create treated zones in soil that termites avoid or die crossing. Products have a finite service life that depends on soil type and exposure. Reticulation makes replenishment easier for long term performance. Plan and budget for top ups when the product label and your management notice specify they are due. A concrete mowing strip can help keep the zone clean and visible if it is part of the system design.
Baiting and monitoring
Bait stations are effective where chemical treatments are not practical or where nearby waterways or site constraints limit soil work. Baits require consistent servicing. They can be an excellent option for complex sites and for managing colony pressure over time.
In practice, many Brisbane homes use a combined approach. For example, a physical barrier at build time plus baiting in high pressure zones when activity increases.
Inspections and compliance that protect value
Your termite management notice should be installed in a prominent location such as the meter box. It lists the system used, installation date, any product life expectations, and the inspection recommendations. Follow it and keep your reports. The QBCC advises homeowners to inspect regularly and to hire a licensed pest controller to report at least annually, or more often in high hazard areas.
For slab on ground homes, maintain continuous visibility of the slab edge and weep holes. The key requirement is that termite inspection paths remain visible and unobstructed. I do not prescribe a specific clearance dimension because site conditions vary. The important thing is that an inspector can see and access the entire perimeter to detect mud tubes or bridging.
What I check during a professional inspection
- The entire perimeter inspection zone for bridging or concealment
- Weep holes for blockages and signs of mudding
- Service penetrations and expansion joints
- Subfloor supports, retaining interfaces, and deck connections
- Moisture sources that raise risk
- Roof frame, door and window reveals, and skirting for damage patterns
You will receive a written report with findings, risk factors, and recommendations for maintenance or treatment.
Practical tips for sellers
As a seller, you want clean reports and buyer confidence. These steps help.
- Book your annual inspection on time and retain the last two reports
- Clear the slab edge and weep holes and trim back planting before listing
- Provide receipts for any replenishment or bait servicing
- Fix plumbing leaks and tidy subfloor and perimeter storage
- If activity was treated, keep the completion certificate and any warranty terms handy
- Add a one page summary of your termite management system to your sales pack
Buyers and their inspectors appreciate transparency. Clean inspection zones and current paperwork reduce contract risk and renegotiation.
When to call a pro
If you see mud tubes, soft timber, or wings near windows after rain, call a licensed technician promptly. Early intervention limits damage and costs. Book an appointment for our termite control service!
Image placement and captions
- Image 1. Licensed pest control inspector examining a Brisbane home with a moisture meter and flashlight near the slab edge. Ideal for the top of the article.
- Image 2. Close up of termite mud tubes on a concrete slab edge with a scale reference. Place alongside the Signs of termite activity section.
Final word from the tools and sales side
A home protected by a well maintained system and supported by clear records sells faster and with fewer price adjustments. In Brisbane, prevention is a routine, not a one time job. Keep inspection paths open, control moisture, and partner with a licensed professional for reliable annual reports. With that approach, your biggest asset stays safe and market ready.