Termite Season in Australia: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Termites destroy more Australian homes than fires and storms combined — and most home insurance policies don't cover termite damage. A colony can cause tens of thousands of dollars of structural damage before you notice any signs. Here's what you need to know to protect your property.

When is termite season in Australia?

Termites are most active during the warmer months — typically October through April — when alates (winged termites) swarm to start new colonies. But "termite season" is misleading: termites never fully go dormant in most of Australia, especially in Queensland, NSW, and the Northern Territory, where conditions are warm and humid year-round.

Warning signs of termite activity

Many homeowners don't discover termites until the damage is severe. Here's what to look for:

• Mud tubes on foundations, walls, or joists — termites build these to travel between soil and wood
• Hollow-sounding timber when tapped — termites eat from the inside out, leaving a thin shell
• Blistering or bubbling paint on walls or skirting boards
• Tight-fitting doors or windows — termite damage can cause framing to warp
• Frass (termite droppings) — small pellets like sawdust near skirting boards or window frames
• Discarded wings near window sills or doorways after a swarm

How often should you get an inspection?

Australian Standard AS 3660 recommends annual termite inspections for most properties. In high-risk areas — tropical and subtropical regions, or homes with lots of timber construction — inspections every 6 months are advisable. A professional inspection costs $200–$400 and can save you hundreds of thousands in repairs. It's one of the best-value investments a homeowner can make.

What to do if you find termites

The most important rule: don't disturb them. If you poke a nest or spray insecticide, the colony may split and disperse — making the problem far harder to treat. Call a licensed pest controller immediately. They'll assess the species, extent of the infestation, and best treatment: baiting systems, chemical perimeter barriers, or direct injection into affected timber.

Prevention: what you can do now

• Fix all water leaks promptly — termites are drawn to moisture
• Keep garden beds and mulch away from your home's perimeter
• Don't store firewood, timber, or cardboard against the house
• Ensure sub-floor ventilation is adequate and unobstructed
• Remove tree stumps and dead roots near the house
• If renovating or building, ensure a chemical or physical termite barrier is installed

Does home insurance cover termite damage?

Almost universally, no. Standard home insurance policies exclude termite damage because it's considered preventable with regular inspections. This makes annual inspections essential, not optional. If you're buying a home, always get a pre-purchase pest and building inspection — it costs a few hundred dollars and can save you from purchasing a property with massive hidden damage.