The difficulty with termite damage in Bali is that by the time it's visible, the infestation is usually well established. Termites consume timber from the inside, leaving the surface skin intact. A structural timber member that looks fine and sounds hollow when tapped can be 80% consumed internally. In this article I want to describe the early warning signs that indicate termite activity before significant structural damage has occurred.
Mud Shelter Tubes
Subterranean termites travel in sealed mud tubes that protect them from light and desiccation. These tubes are the clearest evidence of subterranean termite activity. They appear as brown, sand-coloured ridges running from soil level upward along walls, foundations, or structural elements. Tubes are often found inside wall cavities, under flooring, behind skirting boards, or in subfloor spaces. An active tube contains living termites — a broken tube will be repaired overnight if the colony is active.
Frass (Drywood Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites push their dry, pellet-shaped droppings out of the timber through small exit holes. Small piles or scatterings of uniform pellets on surfaces below timber members indicate drywood termite activity in the timber above. Pellets are oval, approximately 1mm, with six concave sides. They accumulate under roof framing, in corners below decorative timber elements, and under timber window and door frames.
Hollow-Sounding Timber
Timber that sounds hollow when tapped with a screwdriver handle or steel probe indicates internal consumption. Run the probe along the surface of suspected members — a change from solid to hollow sound locates the extent of damage. This test is most reliable on softwoods; dense hardwoods can mask hollow sounds.
Swarmers (Flying Termites)
Reproductive termites swarm to start new colonies, typically after the first significant rain of the wet season. Finding large numbers of winged termites — or shed wings — inside the building indicates an established colony nearby (usually within 50m). Swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants; the distinction is the waist (termites have no waist constriction) and the wings (all four wings of equal size in termites; unequal in ants).
What to Do If You Find Any of These Signs
Don't disturb the area or apply insecticide spray — this disperses the colony and makes treatment more difficult. Document the location with photos. WhatsApp us the photos and we'll advise the urgency and the appropriate next step based on what you're seeing.
Found Something Suspicious?
Send us photos on WhatsApp — we can often give you an initial assessment from photos before arranging a formal inspection.
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