Redback Pest Control
Termite Protection Tips
Termites cause more damage to Australian homes than fire, floods and storms combined. These practical tips will help you reduce the risk on your property.
Reduce Moisture Around Your Home
Termites need moisture to survive. The single biggest thing you can do is keep the area around your home dry and well-ventilated.
- ✓Fix leaking taps, pipes and hot water systems
- ✓Clear blocked gutters & downpipes
- ✓Make sure stormwater discharges away from the slab
- ✓Improve sub-floor ventilation
- ✓Address poor drainage and pooling water
- ✓Avoid over-watering garden beds against the house
Remove Timber-to-Ground Contact
Any timber touching the soil is a direct invitation for termites. Concealed entry points are how most homes get attacked without warning.
- ✓Lift firewood off the ground & away from the house
- ✓Remove old stumps, formwork and buried timber
- ✓Use treated timber or steel for retaining walls
- ✓Keep mulch shallow & away from weep holes
- ✓Make sure weep holes are not blocked or covered
- ✓Inspect timber decks, fences & pergolas regularly
Book Annual Inspections
Australian Standard AS 3660.2 recommends a professional termite inspection at least every 12 months — more often in high-risk areas. Most home insurance policies do not cover termite damage, so prevention is your only real protection.
A trained inspector can spot the early warning signs you'd never notice yourself: mud leads in roof voids, hairline blisters in skirting boards, slight bowing in architraves, or moisture readings inside walls.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- ✓Mud tubes on walls, piers or in the sub-floor
- ✓Blistered, hollow-sounding or sagging timber
- ✓Doors and windows suddenly sticking
- ✓Swarming flying termites (alates) in spring/summer
- ✓Discarded wings near windows or light fittings
- ✓Faint clicking sounds inside walls
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my home inspected for termites?
At least once every 12 months in line with AS 3660.2 — and every 6 months for high-risk properties (bushland, heavy gardens, previous activity).
Are some Sydney suburbs higher risk than others?
Yes. Bushland-adjacent suburbs across the Hills District, Northern Beaches, Sutherland Shire and parts of Western Sydney have higher termite pressure.
Will house insurance cover termite damage?
Almost never. Standard home insurance policies exclude termite damage, which is why annual inspections and a management plan are so important.
Do DIY treatments work?
Surface sprays from hardware stores can actually make the problem worse — they repel termites, sending them into hidden parts of the home. Always engage a licensed professional.
Related Termite Pages
- Termite Control →Sydney-wide termite control overview
- Termite Treatment →Chemical barriers & elimination methods
- Termite Baiting Systems →Sentricon, Exterra & in-ground baits
- Termite Inspection Sydney →AS 3660.2 inspections & K9 detection
- Termite Inspection Cost →Transparent inspection pricing
- Termite Treatment Cost →Treatment price ranges & warranties
- Termite Questions →Answers to common termite FAQs
Need help right now? Talk to a Sydney termite expert.
Same-day inspections, fixed pricing, and warranties on all termite work.