A termite treatment is a crucial investment, especially in a high-risk area like Townsville. But it’s not a “set and forget” solution. This article will teach you what to look for after a treatment, how to tell if it’s working, and when to seek professional help. 

Knowing these signs will give you peace of mind and help protect your biggest asset.

How Long Different Treatments Take to Work

The time it takes for a termite treatment to eliminate an infestation depends on the system used and the severity of the problem. Here’s a breakdown of the most common treatments and their working timeframes:

Chemical Termite Barriers

A liquid termiticide chemical, such as Fipronil, is applied to the soil around your property, creating a treated zone that termites can’t cross.  The termite barrier provides immediate protection by either repelling termites or killing the termites that pass through the treated zone.

Baiting Systems

Bait stations are placed around your property to attract termites. They carry the bait back to the colony, slowly poisoning the nest. This is a gradual process that can take between 3 and 12 months to achieve full colony elimination. The exact timeline depends on the termite species, such as the highly destructive Coptotermes acinaciformis in Townsville, the size of the colony, and the time of year, as termites are less active during colder months.

Spot Treatments

This is a targeted application to an active termite area, like a mud tube. It provides immediate results by eliminating termites in that specific spot, but doesn’t protect the rest of your property.

Signs Your Termite Treatment Is Working

After a treatment, you should notice positive changes. Clear signs are the absence of live termites and no new mud tubes or frass. While some old frass may still be present, the lack of new mud tubes shows the treatment has been successful.

Frass, or termite droppings, are tiny, six-sided pellets that can look like sand or coffee grounds and indicate a drywood termite infestation. For baiting systems, you’ll observe a decrease in activity at the bait stations. Termites might feed more initially, but over time, they will feed less. They may also show signs of ill health, such as a paler colour or slower movement. Eventually, all activity will cease.

Additionally, any existing termite damage will no longer spread. Damaged timber will show no new signs of being eaten. A professional pest control company can confirm this with a tap test. A hollow sound signifies a past infestation because termites have eaten the wood from the inside out, while a solid sound nearby suggests the termites have been eradicated.

Signs Your Termite Treatment May Not Be Working

Be aware of these warning signs. If you see any of these issues after treatment, contact a professional immediately.

The most concerning sign is the reappearance of new mud tubes or live termites. This means they have either found a way around the treated areas or the treatment didn’t get the whole colony. 

You may also still hear termite noises inside your walls or floors. These soft rustling, clicking, or tapping sounds are often produced by soldier termites banging their heads to send a warning signal to the rest of the colony.

Also, if existing termite damage keeps spreading, it’s a sign the colony is still feeding on your property. This is a key warning for chemical barriers, as termites that reappear near the treated zone may have found an untreated spot.

Common Termite Treatment Mistakes

After a professional termite treatment, it’s not the time to become complacent. Many homeowners make a few key mistakes that can leave their property vulnerable. Being aware of these common pitfalls can save you from a costly re-infestation:

Assuming Termites Are Gone

Just because you don’t see any live termites doesn’t mean the termite colony has been eliminated. Many modern treatments are designed to be slow-acting, allowing termites to carry the termiticide back to the nest, where it poisons the queen and the entire colony. A lack of visible activity may simply be part of the elimination process, not a sign that the job is done.

Ignoring Early Warning Signs

Termites are called “silent destroyers” for a reason. Ignoring small signs of new activity is a big mistake that can lead to significant damage. After a treatment, you need to be vigilant and look for new mud tubes, fresh frass, or any new signs of damage.

DIY Monitoring

DIY monitoring without professional help can be risky. Homeowners often lack the specialised tools and training to inspect where termites hide.

Simple Steps to Support Your Treatment

While your professional treatment is working, there are simple, proactive steps you can take to make your home less attractive to termites in the future. 

Remove Wood Debris: Clear any timber, firewood, or other wood scraps from around your home’s foundation.

• Fix Leaks: Repair any leaky taps or pipes, as termites are drawn to moisture.
• Ensure Proper Drainage: Make sure downpipes and gutters are clear and direct water away from the building to prevent dampness in the soil.
• Maintain Proper Ventilation: Good airflow in subfloors and basements can help keep these areas dry and deter termite activity.

The Importance of a Professional Follow-Up Inspection

Professional follow-up termite inspections are the most effective way to ensure your property stays protected. 

A qualified inspector can confirm the treatment’s effectiveness and address any issues. They can adjust bait stations or retreat areas if needed. During an inspection, they use specialised tools such as thermal imaging and moisture meters to detect hidden termite activity without causing damage. 

You can read more about what’s included in our comprehensive inspections by visiting our Inspection Services page.

Don’t Guess, Get It Checked

Termite and pest control is a continuous process, not a one-time fix. In Townsville, with its high-risk environment and prevalence of subterranean termites, proactive monitoring is your best defense. Knowing what to look for is the first step, but a professional follow-up is the only way to be certain.

At TCBPI, we’re your local experts in termite protection. Our licensed pest controllers have extensive experience with the unique challenges of the North Queensland environment. We offer professional post-treatment inspections to give you peace of mind that your home is protected for the long term.

Are you unsure if your termite treatment is working? Contact us today for termite management and get peace of mind that your home is protected.