What to Do When You Find Termites: A Step-by-Step Action Plan

Bug Buster Gold Coast is your trusted local Termite and Pest Control Services in Gold Coast.

Discovering termites in your home is a situation no homeowner wants to face. These silent destroyers can chew through wood, flooring, insulation, and even structural supports—causing thousands of dollars in damage if not addressed quickly. If you've just found termites or suspect they may be in your home, it's important to take swift, informed action.

Here's a step-by-step plan to help you respond effectively and protect your property.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Don't Disturb Them

Your first instinct might be to kill the termites on the spot or tear out the infested area. Resist the urge. Disturbing termites can cause them to scatter, spread to new locations, or go deeper into the structure of your home—making the problem harder to detect and eliminate.

Instead, take note of where you found them, take a few photos for documentation, and leave the area untouched. This gives a pest control professional a better chance to assess the full extent of the infestation.

Step 2: Identify Common Signs of Termites

Even if you only see a few termites, there are usually more subtle indicators of a larger infestation. Look around your home for these telltale signs:

• Mud tubes: Pencil-sized tunnels along foundations or walls.
• Hollow wood: Tap on beams or boards; if they sound hollow, termites may be inside.
• Frass: Tiny, pellet-like droppings left by drywood termites.
• Discarded wings: Often found near windowsills and doors after swarmers have emerged.
• Damaged wood: Bubbling paint, warped wood, or pinholes may indicate internal feeding.

Recognizing these signs early helps professionals make faster, more accurate diagnoses.

Step 3: Contact a Licensed Pest Control Professional

This is not a problem to handle on your own. DIY termite treatments may eliminate a few pests, but they rarely reach the colony—especially if it's hidden underground or within walls.

Look for a licensed, insured, and experienced pest control company. Many offer free or low-cost termite inspections. During this process, a trained technician will inspect your entire property, both inside and outside, including attics, crawl spaces, basements, and foundations.

The goal of the inspection is to:

• Confirm the presence and species of termites
• Assess the severity and spread of the infestation
• Identify entry points and vulnerabilities
• Recommend a suitable treatment plan

Step 4: Choose the Right Treatment Plan

Once the infestation is confirmed, the pest control company will offer options based on the termite species (subterranean, drywood, or dampwood) and the infestation's scope. Common treatments include:

Liquid Termiticides

These create a chemical barrier in the soil around your home. When termites pass through the treated soil, they carry the toxin back to the colony, eventually wiping it out. This is one of the most effective methods for subterranean termites and offers long-lasting protection.

Termite Bait Systems

Bait stations are installed in the ground around your home. Termites are drawn to the bait, which contains slow-acting poison that they carry back to the colony. This method is less invasive and environmentally safer but can take several weeks to fully eradicate a colony.

Fumigation (Tenting)

Used mainly for drywood termites, fumigation involves sealing the entire home and releasing a gas that permeates all wood surfaces. It’s highly effective but requires you to vacate the property for a few days.

Localized (Spot) Treatments

These target smaller, isolated infestations. Foam, dust, or injection treatments are applied directly into the infested wood. While fast, this method is only suitable for minor infestations or as part of a larger treatment plan.

Your pest control provider will help you weigh the pros and cons of each method, including timelines, costs, and required preparation.

Step 5: Repair and Restore Damaged Areas

After treatment, inspect your home for structural damage that may need repair. Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may need to replace or reinforce:

• Wooden beams, studs, or joists
• Floorboards or subflooring
• Drywall or plaster
• Window or door frames

Have a contractor or structural engineer evaluate critical areas to ensure the home remains safe and stable. If damage was extensive, consult your pest control company to ensure repairs don’t create new access points for termites.

Step 6: Prevent Future Infestations

Termites can return if you don’t take preventive steps. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to protect your home going forward:

Eliminate Moisture

Termites thrive in moist environments. Address leaks in plumbing, roofing, or basements, and use dehumidifiers in humid areas like crawl spaces or bathrooms.

Keep Wood Away From Soil

Avoid direct contact between soil and wooden parts of your home. Use concrete or metal barriers between soil and deck posts, stairs, or siding.

Maintain Landscaping

Trim trees and bushes away from your home’s exterior. Avoid using wood mulch near your foundation—it can attract termites. Instead, use gravel or rubber mulch.

Store Wood Properly

Firewood, lumber, or cardboard should be kept off the ground and stored at least 20 feet away from your home.

Seal Entry Points

Inspect your foundation, vents, and pipes for cracks or gaps. Seal them with caulk or other appropriate materials to prevent termite entry.

Step 7: Schedule Ongoing Inspections

Even after treatment, termites can return. Most professional pest control companies offer annual inspections and monitoring services to ensure your home remains protected. Some plans include:

• Regular checks of bait stations
• Reapplication of termiticides
• Retreatments under warranty if activity is found

Consider this a long-term investment. Annual monitoring costs far less than repairing future termite damage.

Step 8: Understand Your Warranty and Insurance

After treatment, many pest control companies provide warranties ranging from one to five years, depending on the method used. These often cover:

• Future inspections
• Retreatments if termites return
• Damage repair in some cases

However, homeowners insurance does not usually cover termite damage, as it's considered preventable. Carefully read and understand your pest control contract, and ask questions if you're unclear about coverage, renewal terms, or what actions void the warranty.