An Aussie tradie has revealed the hidden signs of termites most homeowners miss, warning the damage could cost ‘tens of thousands of dollars’ to fix. After carrying out an inspection on a client’s home in Sydney’s southwest, Afram Zetoun from Termite Care Pest Control filmed the moment he found the ‘mother lode’ of termites hidden underneath the home.
Footage from the dark crawl space shows a “massive nest” descending from the building. That’s the scary part, it probably wasn’t just this house that was affected, but neighbouring properties as well,” Afram told Yahoo News. A lot of termite jobs start this way, homeowners notice subtle changes like moisture issues, damaged timber, tight doors/windows or unusual marks near walls and skirting boards.”
Nationwide, termites cause damage to between 130,000 and 180,000 homes in Australia annually. Making it nearly one in five houses in the country, causing more than $1.5 billion in yearly damage, a report revealed.
Termites work silently for years
Afram said it was one of the larger termite infestations he has come across. Noting that there would have been an enormous amount of termite activity and material built up over time beneath the home. “Given the extent of the activity and damage, it’s likely the termites had been active for a considerable amount of time before discovery, potentially years,” he said. “Termites work silently, which is why infestations can become significant before homeowners even realise they’re there.”
He added that the costs will depend on the extent of structural repairs required once all affected areas are fully assessed by builders and trades. “Unfortunately, though, major termite damage repairs can easily reach into the tens of thousands of dollars, depending on how extensive the damage is throughout the home. The biggest threat is that termites often work silently behind walls, under floors or inside concealed areas for long periods before being discovered. By the time visible signs appear, they may have already caused significant damage to structural timbers throughout the property. I’ve seen termite damage affect wall frames, flooring systems, roof timbers, architraves, skirting boards and subfloor structures.”
Most standard home and contents insurance policies in Australia exclude coverage for termite damage and associated treatment costs. Homeowners shouldn’t panic, but stay proactive.
Aussie homeowners should know the ins and outs of their property and have a sufficient termite management plan, as spraying visible termites is often not enough. “Termites are a natural part of the ecosystem; their role in nature is actually important, as they help break down dead timber and organic material,” Afram explained. “Unfortunately, termites can sometimes mistake our homes for another food source. My message to homeowners is not to panic, but to stay proactive. Regular termite inspections, reducing conducive conditions and having a proper termite management plan in place can make a huge difference in protecting your home long term. The earlier the termite activity is identified, the better the outcome usually is for the homeowner.”
Key steps to minimise termites
The best measures to minimise the threat of termites to a home are to get regular professional termite inspections, manage moisture and drainage issues, avoid timber-to-soil contact, remove old tree stumps, decaying timber and wood debris near the home, and maintain good subfloor ventilation where applicable.
Afram said the most rewarding part of helping families avoid termite damage is knowing he’s potentially saved them from enormous stress and financial pressure. “For most Australians, their home is their biggest asset. I genuinely enjoy educating homeowners and helping them understand termite risks, prevention and long-term management so they can feel more confident about protecting their property.”
