Termites

Information for Queensland public housing tenants.

Termites (white ants) cause more damage to homes in Australia than storms and fire combined.  Tell us straight away if you think termites have affected your property, or if you have noticed termite activity nearby.

Tips to keep termites away from your home

• Don't put garden beds, shrubs, trees or bark against the walls of your property
• Don't leave loose timber stacked against or under your home or in the yard
• Don't leave objects leaning against the walls that also touch the ground
• Don’t place grass clippings around trees
• Wood piles should be kept off the ground so you can see the mud trails left by the termites if they attack the timber
• Remove old tree stumps from your yard
• Report any suspected termite activity in fences and trees around your home to us straight away
• If you have a brick home, make sure the gaps (also called weep holes) between the bricks and the concrete slab are open to allow any moisture to get out
• Fix any leaking hose taps

Checking for termites

Inside

• Tap your knuckles on any timber in your home (for example—skirting boards, architraves, doors and window frames) and listen for a dull, hollow sound.
• Look for blistered or bubbled paint, and rippled or bulging wall linings, skirtings or architraves.

Outside

• Check for small mud tunnels against the walls and paths, or trails leading up the foundation posts or brick walls into your home. The trails are more likely to be found in moist areas against the building and storage areas under the building.

What should I do if I think my home has termites?

If you think your property has termites, don't disturb any nests, mud tunnels, paths or trails. Contact your nearest Housing Service Centre’s maintenance section and we will check if you have termites as soon as possible.