Why termites are a big deal
Termites quietly eat structural timber, roof trusses, door frames and skirtings — often for months before they're spotted. The repair bill for damaged timber dwarfs the cost of treatment, so early detection matters.
Warning signs to look for
- Mud tubes — pencil-thick mud tunnels on walls, foundations or in roof voids
- Hollow-sounding or sagging timber — tap door frames and skirtings; eaten wood sounds hollow
- Discarded wings near windows and doors after a swarm
- Frass — fine, sawdust-like droppings (drywood termites)
- Tight-fitting doors/windows or bubbling paint as moisture and damage build up
Why DIY rarely works
Over-the-counter sprays kill the few termites you see but not the colony, which can number in the tens of thousands underground. Effective treatment targets the colony — usually with soil treatments, baiting systems, or localised treatment by a registered operator.
What treatment costs
Termite treatment ranges from R2,500 to R12,000+ depending on the method, the size of the property, and how established the infestation is. Catching it early keeps you at the lower end.
Suspect termites? Get a free inspection from a DAFF-registered operator — fast, no obligation.