Termites outside

Found termites in your garden – what should you do?

In Brisbane, it’s normal to find termites in your garden

Termites are a natural part of Brisbane’s environment. In fact, if we looked hard enough, we’d find termites in most gardens across the city.

The real issue isn’t whether termites exist – it’s whether they’re allowed to thrive or gain access to your home.

Termite pressure doesn’t stop at your fence line. Surrounding properties, trees and parklands all contribute, and that risk is constant. The sensible response is simple: regular annual inspections and a current, effective protection system in place to stop foraging termites before they reach your home.

Found termites outside?

Noticed termite activity in your garden? A brown, mud-like structure on a tree? Lifted loose timber and seen small, pale, ant-like insects?

There’s a common myth that if termites are outside, they’ll stay outside. Unfortunately, that’s not how termites behave.

If termites aren’t treated, or the conditions attracting them aren’t addressed, the colony will continue to grow. Over time, they’ll search for new food sources and can find a concealed way into your home.

That’s why early action matters.

Getting professional advice now can reduce the risk and help prevent a much bigger problem later.

Options to treat live termites in your garden?

First option: Don’t disturb them any further

When termites feel threatened, their natural instinct is to retreat back to the nest. It can appear as though they’ve disappeared – but they haven’t. They’re simply waiting until the disturbance stops, then they return.

The correct next step is to contact Conquer Termites and arrange for one of our experienced technicians to assess the situation.

Panic option (don’t do this)

Don’t start disturbing timbers or throwing them in the bin and assume the problem is solved. And don’t rush to use DIY products – they’re rarely safe or effective and often make professional treatment harder.

Option 1: Topical chemical treatment

Where appropriate, we can apply a targeted spot treatment using a non-repellent transfer product such as Termidor®, designed to be applied directly to termite activity or remain residual in the soil.

Great for stumps, loose timbers and nests applications.

Option 2: Baiting system

A highly effective and proven way to control foraging termites in your garden is the strategic installation of in-ground bait stations, pre-loaded with active bait.

Foraging termites eventually locate these stations, feed on the bait, and carry it back to the nest – allowing the colony to be controlled at the source, not just where termites are seen.

More important information about termites in your garden

Treating
a nest

Tree
stumps

Loose
timbers

Identify
termites

Hints & tips to stop termites in your garden

  • Never have timber in contact with the ground. Even treated timber eventually becomes susceptible to termites as the protection deteriorates with time.
  • Ensure posts are concrete or steel and if they are timber, make sure they are separated from the ground by stirrups.
  • Use non-edible material when you landscape – why give the foraging termites a restaurant?

  • Get any large tree checked by one of our Technicians.
  • Remove tree stumps

  • Prevent any excessive and continuous moisture in your garden (leaking tap, broken pipe). Termites need to “gas up” on water before eating timbers.