How Heavy Rain in Canberra Wakes Up Hidden Termite Activity
Why wet weather in the ACT brings termites closer to your home — and how to stop them before they cause damage

After a stretch of rain in Canberra, homeowners often notice something unexpected — swarms of flying termites around outdoor lights, window frames, or garden beds. These “alates,” or reproductive termites, are the first visible sign of what could already be a major problem under the surface.
🌧 Why Rain Triggers Termite Movement
Canberra’s cool winters and warm, wet springs create ideal conditions for subterranean termites. When the soil becomes moist after heavy rain, it softens enough for termites to move easily through it, tunnelling up toward buildings in search of food sources. This is when they’re most likely to find timber decks, fences, or house framing — and start causing damage you won’t see until it’s too late.
🏠 Where They Hide
Termites thrive in dark, humid areas such as:
Subfloor spaces with poor ventilation or damp soil.
Timber garden edging and sleepers in contact with the ground.
Old tree stumps and firewood piles stacked near walls.
Mulch beds that sit higher than the internal floor level.
Once they’re inside, termites can stay hidden for months, quietly eating through floor joists and skirting boards while the surface looks fine.
🔍 What You Can Do After Rain
Inspect foundations and gardens — look for mud tubes, bubbling paint, or soft timber.
Reduce moisture — clear gutters, redirect air-con and hot-water overflow pipes away from walls.
Book a professional inspection — ACT pest technicians use moisture meters, Termatrac radar, and thermal imaging to detect concealed activity before structural damage occurs.
Avoid DIY chemicals — they often cause termites to relocate deeper into the structure rather than eliminating the colony.
💡 Canberra Homeowners’ Tip
Because of the region’s clay soils and temperature swings, termites in Canberra are active for most of the year — not just summer. Rain doesn’t make termites visible, but it creates the damp, humid conditions they prefer, encouraging colonies to expand and forage closer to buildings. The most effective defence is a professional inspection every 12 months, ideally during the warmer months when termites are at their most active.
📞 Ready to Act?
If you’ve had heavy rain around your property and haven’t had a termite check in the past year, now’s the time.
A1 Professional Pest Control Canberra provides licensed termite inspections and tailored treatments across Belconnen, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and the wider ACT.
Book your post-rain termite inspection today — protect your home before hidden damage takes hold.
