Active Termites Found? Here's What To Do Next

Discovering active termites around your home can be alarming, but taking the right steps quickly can help reduce further damage and improve the chances of successful termite management.

Many property owners first notice termites when they find damaged timber, mud leads, hollow sounding wood or visible termite activity around the home. If active termites are found, it is important to avoid disturbing them and arrange a professional termite inspection as soon as possible.

Don't Disturb Active Termites

One of the biggest mistakes property owners make is spraying, breaking open or removing active termites before a professional inspection can be completed.

Disturbing termites can cause the colony to move to a new location within the property, making it more difficult to identify entry points and complete an effective treatment.

If active termites are found:

• Do not spray them with household insecticides

• Do not remove damaged timber

• Do not break open mud leads

• Avoid disturbing the affected area

Leaving the termites undisturbed allows a termite technician to properly assess the situation and recommend the most suitable treatment option.

Arrange a Professional Termite Inspection

A termite inspection is one of the most important steps after discovering active termites.

During the inspection, a technician will assess:

• Areas of termite activity

• Potential termite entry points

• Extent of visible damage

• Conditions conducive to termite activity

• Suitable treatment options

The inspection helps determine whether termites are active, where they may be entering the structure and what management approach is most appropriate.

Termite Treatment Options

The recommended treatment will depend on the construction of the property and the location of termite activity.

Common termite treatment options may include:

Termite Management Systems

Termite Management Systems use professional termiticides such as Fipronil to create treated zones around the property designed to help prevent concealed termite entry.

These systems may involve:

• Slab drilling and injection

• Soil trenching and treatment

• Subfloor soil treatments

• Combination treatment methods

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Tree Drilling and Injection

If active termites are found within trees, stumps or landscaping timbers, tree drilling and injection treatments may be recommended.

This treatment involves injecting professional termiticide directly into affected areas to target termite activity within the timber.

Targeted Termite Treatments

In some situations, targeted treatments may be carried out directly to identified termite activity before a broader management system is installed.

Why Acting Early Matters

Termites can continue causing structural damage while active within a property.

The earlier termite activity is identified and managed, the greater the opportunity to reduce further damage and protect the structure.

Regular termite inspections are also important, as termites can remain hidden within walls, subfloors and other concealed areas for extended periods before becoming visible.

Ongoing Protection

Following treatment, annual termite inspections are strongly recommended.

Regular inspections can help identify new termite activity, changes in property conditions and potential risk factors before significant damage occurs.

Need Help With Active Termites?

If you've discovered active termites around your home or business, arranging a professional termite inspection is the best place to start.

A thorough inspection can identify termite activity, entry points and suitable treatment options to help protect your property from further damage.