Termites in Wooden Flooring and Laminate: Warning Signs

Wooden and laminate floors sit directly over concrete and sub-floor materials, which is exactly where termites travel. Because the damage is underneath, it is often found only when the floor feels soft, sounds hollow or begins to lift.

This guide lists the warning signs and what to do.

The short answer

Warning signs of termites in wooden or laminate flooring include a hollow or drum-like sound when you tap or walk, boards that sag, buckle or feel soft, bubbling or lifting laminate, small gaps or ripples, mud tubes along skirting or at the edges, tiny holes or frass, and discarded wings. Moisture can cause similar symptoms, so a professional inspection is needed to confirm. Treatment generally involves treating the soil, walls and sub-floor and replacing damaged flooring.

Why flooring is vulnerable

• Contact with the ground floor slab: Termites reach it through cracks and joints.
• Wooden battens and underlay: Often installed beneath the floor.
• Moisture: Damp under flooring attracts termites.
• Hidden space: The floor covers the activity.

Warning signs

1. Hollow sound: Tap with a knuckle or screwdriver handle.
2. Soft or sagging boards: Floor gives slightly under pressure.
3. Buckling or bubbling: Laminate lifts or swells.
4. Visible tunnels or holes: At edges or cut-outs.
5. Mud tubes: On skirting, walls or in corners.
6. Frass or dust: Near the edges and gaps.
7. Wings: Near windows and doors after a swarm.
8. Squeaking and uneven surface: Possible structural weakening.

Is it termites or moisture?

Water leaks, damp subfloors and high humidity can also cause buckling and swelling. Termites often come with mud tubes, hollow sounds along grain and wings, while moisture damage typically shows staining or mould. A professional can tell the difference.

What to do

• Stop walking on suspect sections.
• Photograph signs.
• Check skirting and walls for mud tubes.
• Arrange an inspection.

Treatment and repair

1. Identify and treat the source: soil, walls and any wood in the structure.
2. Lift affected boards to inspect and treat underneath.
3. Replace damaged boards and treat the subfloor.
4. Fix moisture and ventilation problems.

Prevention

• Choose termite-treated or resistant flooring and underlay.
• Treat the soil and slab before installation.
• Keep the floor dry and ventilated.
• Leave expansion gaps and seal the edges appropriately.
• Inspect each year.

When to call a professional

If you notice more than one warning sign, call a termite specialist. Damage under flooring is usually more extensive than it looks.

Frequently asked questions

Can laminate flooring be eaten?

The surface layer less so, but the fibreboard core and wooden underlay can be damaged.

Is engineered wood safer than solid wood?

Both can be attacked. Treatment and moisture control matter.

Can I repair a few boards?

Only after the termite source is treated, or damage will recur.

Should I lift the floor to check?

A professional can decide whether to lift sections for inspection.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on termite control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full termite treatment guide for Bangalore.