DIY Termite Self-Inspection Checklist

Inspect exterior foundation walls for mud tubes — pencil-thick tunnels running from soil to wood — break one open to check for live termites inside

Tap wooden door frames, window frames, baseboards, and stair treads with a screwdriver handle — a hollow or dull sound is a classic sign of termite damage; healthy wood sounds crisp

Check wooden surfaces throughout the house for pinhole-sized holes, bubbling paint, or water-stain-like discoloration — press with your fingernail; if soft, the wood beneath is hollowed out

In spring (March-May), look for piles of discarded translucent insect wings near doors, windows, and floors — swarmers drop their wings after mating flights

Inspect garden wooden fences, trellises, planter boxes, and stacked firewood — run your hand over surfaces for mud tubes, poke with a screwdriver to test for internal brittleness

Examine attic beams and rafters with a flashlight held at an angle — termite-damaged wood has a paper-thin surface layer with hollow shadows visible beneath

Check wooden floors for localized sagging or springiness — look for fine wood pellet granules (like sawdust but finer) persistently emerging from floorboard seams

Inspect where wooden beams contact the foundation in basements and crawl spaces — direct wood-to-soil contact is the number one cause of termite infestation; maintain at least 30cm height separation

Ensure soil grading around the house slopes outward — rainwater and irrigation must not pool near the foundation; damp soil equals active termite foraging

If you find suspected termite signs — photograph the location and appearance, do NOT spray pesticide or break open mud tubes, contact a licensed termite control company immediately for professional assessment