South-East Queensland’s warm, humid climate is ideal for subterranean termites, and no suburb is exempt. While no measure makes a property termite-proof, these five practical habits meaningfully reduce the conditions that attract them.

1. Fix moisture at the source

Termites follow water. Repair dripping taps and hot water system overflows, keep air-conditioner condensate away from walls, and make sure downpipes discharge well clear of the building.

2. Keep soil and gardens off the walls

Garden beds, mulch and paving built up against external walls can bridge a slab edge or weep holes, giving termites concealed entry. Keep the slab edge visible and weep holes clear.

3. Remove timber-to-soil contact

Stored timber, firewood stacks, old stumps and formwork left under or against the house are an open invitation. Store timber off the ground and away from the building.

4. Ventilate the subfloor

A dry, airy subfloor is far less attractive than a damp, still one. Keep vents clear of paint, render and landscaping, and avoid using the subfloor as storage.

5. Inspect annually

A timber pest inspection to AS 4349.3, at least once a year, is the safety net under everything above. It assesses the reasonably accessible areas for evidence of activity and the conducive conditions you cannot see from the garden — and the written report gives you the year’s maintenance priorities. Across 50 of our own combined building and pest inspections, confirmed termite activity or damage appeared in 12 properties — about 24% — and 11 of those 12 were older, standalone houses, with the activity starting outside the walls in a tree stump, a boundary fence or garden timber close to the house. That is exactly the ground habits 2 and 3 above cover, and exactly what an annual inspection is there to catch early.

For more on timber pest inspections, read our guide to understanding timber pest inspections and, for unit owners, why ground-floor units face higher termite risk. On timing, see why winter is the best time for a termite inspection. The FAQs cover more on timber pest inspections.

A timber pest inspection is included in every combined building and pest inspection. Call 0431 114 815 to book.