Zone Pest Articles Library - What attracts termites to your property
Pest Control and Termite Management Specialists Servicing the Northern Rivers, Tweed Coast & Gold Coast
What attracts termites to your property across the Northern Rivers and Tweed Valley
In the lush, subtropical environment of the Northern Rivers and Tweed Valley, homeowners enjoy the beauty of nature year-round — but so do termites. This region’s warmth and humidity create the ideal conditions for termite activity, making it crucial to understand what attracts them to your
property and how to prevent an infestation.
At Zone Pest, we’ve seen first hand how easily termites can take hold when the right conditions exist.
Here's what you need to look out for:
Moisture-Rich Environments
Termites thrive in damp conditions. Common culprits include:
Leaking taps or pipes
Poorly sealed showers or bathrooms
Overflowing gutters
Subfloor or yard drainage issues
Wet and rotting fence lines
Hot water unit relief pipes
Dripping air-conditioner units
The combination of moisture and timber creates a termite paradise. Regular inspections and maintenance of these areas can drastically reduce your risk.
Timber in Contact with Soil
Any untreated or aged timber that directly touches the ground is a potential termite entry point. Around Northern Rivers properties, we often find:
Garden edging made of untreated timber
Timber fence posts
Old railway sleepers used in landscaping
Firewood stacked directly on soil
Timber for building stacked in subfloors
These provide both food and shelter for termites — and a direct path to your home.
While garden beds and mulch help with landscaping, placing them directly against your home’s walls can hide termite activity.
The dark, moist, and undisturbed conditions underneath mulch are perfect for a termite colony to grow unnoticed.
Mulch and Garden Beds Against External Walls
Tree Stumps and Dead Wood
Old stumps or even large roots left in the ground after tree removal act as long-term termite food sources.
In the Tweed Valley and surrounds, natural vegetation is abundant, but it’s important to remove or treat decaying wood near your home.
In many older Northern Rivers homes, poor subfloor ventilation leads to trapped humidity, creating a haven for termites.
A damp, poorly ventilated subfloor is often the first place we find active colonies during inspections.
Poor Ventilation
Tiny cracks in your concrete slab or brickwork give termites hidden access points to the interior of your home.
Combined with moisture or nearby timber, these small entryways can become a major risk.
Cracks and Gaps in Your Foundation or Slab
One of the biggest risks we see across the region is simply a lack of regular checks. Many homeowners assume “it won’t happen to them” until it does. Annual termite inspections by professionals like Zone Pest can catch early signs before significant damage occurs.
No Regular Termite Inspections
Protecting Your Property from Termite Attack
Living in such a naturally rich environment comes with its challenges, and termites are a big one.
The good news is that by understanding what attracts termites and staying proactive, you can drastically reduce your risk.
At Zone Pest, we’re locals who know exactly what to look for in properties across Murwillumbah, Pottsville, Tweed Heads, and everywhere in between.
Our termite inspections and treatment plans are tailored to suit the unique conditions of our region.
Termites are attracted to environments with high moisture and decaying materials. By addressing the conducive conditions outlined above, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of termite infestations. Regular maintenance, prompt repairs,
and proactive landscaping are key strategies in termite prevention.
Author - Matthew Davids ( Zone Pest ) 2025
At Zone Pest, we specialize in identifying and mitigating termite risks. Our experienced team conducts thorough inspections and provides tailored solutions to protect your property. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and ensure your home remains termite-free.
Remember, Australian Standards recommend having a licensed and insured pest manager inspect your property at least
once a year to maintain optimal protection against termites.
Give Matt a call to book a Pest Control or Termite Management Service
Northern Rivers, Tweed Coast & Gold Coast Termite and Pest Control
Contact Us today to make a booking or learn more