How to Spot Early Signs of a Termite Infestation in Albury Homes

When it comes to household pests, termites are among the most destructive—and the most elusive. These tiny intruders can silently eat away at the very structure of your home, often going unnoticed until serious damage is already done. The risk of termite activity is especially high in Albury, where a mix of older and newer homes combines with temperate weather and seasonal humidity. That’s why homeowners must stay vigilant and recognise the early signs of a termite infestation before it becomes an expensive nightmare.

Mysterious Hollow Sounds in Wooden Fixtures

Wood that sounds hollow when tapped may be more than just a sign of ageing furniture—it could signal the presence of termites. These pests devour wood from the inside out, leaving only a thin outer layer. The internal damage often isn’t visible, but it can be detected audibly.

Here’s what to listen for:

• Tap skirting boards, window sills, and door frames with a screwdriver handle.
• A dull, papery, or hollow sound could indicate internal timber damage.
• Termite-weakened timber may crumble when slight pressure is applied.

Regular tap tests on wooden surfaces throughout your home, particularly in dark, damp, or undisturbed areas, can reveal hidden termite activity before it's visible.

Unexplained Swarms Near Light Sources

One of the more dramatic signs of a termite problem is the appearance of flying termites—known as alates—around your home, especially near lights. These swarms often occur during the warmer months and after heavy rain.

Be alert for:

• Winged insects fluttering around indoor light fittings at night.
• Sudden swarms near outdoor porch lights or windows.
• Piles of discarded wings found on windowsills or benchtops.

Alates are reproductive termites that leave the colony to start new ones. Seeing them inside your home strongly indicates that an established nest may be nearby and that a full inspection is warranted.

Mud Tubes Along Walls & Foundations

Subterranean termites, which are common in Albury, rely on moisture and protection from the open air. They build mud tubes to move between their underground nests and your home—narrow, pencil-width tunnels of soil, saliva, and faeces.

These are often found:

• Along brick foundations, concrete stumps, and the lower parts of timber posts.
• Crawling up internal or external walls, particularly in garages or crawlspaces.
• In cracks between masonry, expansion joints, or pathways.

Mud tubes are a reliable visual indicator that termites are active and commuting into your property. Breaking open one may even reveal live termites inside.

Doors & Windows Becoming Difficult to Open

Termites don’t just damage wood—they can affect the function of fixtures. When termites eat through timber door and window frames, the resulting structural weakness can cause the material to warp or swell. This makes normal household items behave unusually.

Look out for:

• Windows that suddenly stick or don’t close properly.
• Doors that feel tight, misaligned, or scrape the floor.
• Swollen or bubbling frames, even in dry conditions.

This issue is often mistaken for seasonal humidity effects or ageing wood, but in some cases, it’s a clue that termites have compromised the integrity of the frame.

Piles of Tiny Droppings Near Skirting Boards

Termite droppings, known as frass, are another early and visible sign of activity, particularly from drywood termite species. Although less common than subterranean termites in Albury, they are still a concern in some homes.

Signs of frass include:

• Small, oval-shaped pellets that resemble sawdust or ground pepper.
• Droppings accumulating beneath timber joins, skirting boards, or architraves.
• Presence of exit holes in wooden surfaces with frass spilling out.

Unlike wood dust from renovations, frass is more granular and uniform in size. If you spot it in your home without explanation, call for a professional assessment.

Cracked or Bubbling Paint on Wooden Surfaces

Damage caused by termites beneath timber surfaces can mimic moisture problems, making it tricky for homeowners to identify the true cause. Cracked or bubbled paintwork might not just be a cosmetic issue—it can indicate underlying termite activity.

Watch for:

• Bubbles under paint that feel soft to the touch.
• Paint cracking in linear patterns, particularly on door frames and windows.
• Flaking or warped paint without any recent water damage or leaks.

These signs typically occur when termites have consumed wood near the surface, and the protective paint or coating begins to fail.

Clicking or Tapping Noises Inside Walls

Believe it or not, termites make noise—and you might be able to hear them under the right conditions. Soldier termites bang their heads against wood or shake their bodies as a warning signal to the colony, and the movement of workers chewing timber can also generate a faint sound.

To detect these noises:

• Listen carefully at night when the house is quiet.
• Press your ear to the wall or use a glass to amplify the sound.
• Focus on walls near wet areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries.

If you hear clicking, rustling, or tapping, particularly in an area that shows other signs of infestation, it’s worth seeking immediate termite control in Albury.

Why Early Detection is Crucial for Albury Homes

In Albury, the combination of timber-rich construction and warm-to-mildly humid conditions creates the perfect environment for termites. Many homes rely on subfloor spaces or are built with untreated timber, increasing vulnerability. Waiting until visible damage appears often means termites have already caused significant structural harm.

The importance of early detection includes:

• Avoiding costly structural repairs that could reach tens of thousands of dollars.
• Maintaining the property value of your home.
• Preserving timber features like flooring, framing, and cabinetry.

Early warning signs, even when subtle, should not be ignored. Booking regular inspections and acting quickly if something seems amiss is the most effective way to stay protected.

Worried About Termites? Get Trusted Termite Treatment in Albury

If you’ve noticed any of these signs around your home—or simply want peace of mind—reach us at Albury Wodonga Pest Control. Our experienced team offers thorough inspections, effective termite control solutions, and long-term treatment strategies tailored to homes in Albury and surrounding areas. Give us a call or get in touch via our contact page to arrange a professional termite inspection today.