Can Termites Infest A Brick Home?

This is an interesting question. On the surface, you would think not. They can’t eat brick so a home made of bricks is impermeable to termites. Right? But if we look closer, we’ll see how invidious termites are and how termites can infest brick homes.

Book An Inspection

Table of Contents

This is a question that pops up a lot, can termite infest my brick home? We know that they can’t eat brick, so therefore a brick home is safe right? Not so fast. Brick home are definitely not safe from termites. 

Spolier alert, brick homes aren't safe from termites

In case you were hoping to be assured that your home was completely safe, the answer is no. You're not. Termites can and do infest brick homes. For more information read on. Or if you're in a hurry just watch the video at the end of the article.

Even the house of bricks is made with sticks

How much timber is in this home?

How termite enter your brick home

termite lead runs up the bricks and enters the weep hole
How much timber is in this home?

Le't's Draw Some Conlcusions About Why One Brick Home Was Safe But Not The Other

Okay, to summarize what we learnt below, it’s all about conditions. In the first home we saw that the brick was open, dry (but with some risk from damp) and any termites that did come in would be visible.

In home two it is enclosed, damp and and (unless you get an inspection) the termites would not be visible. There is also a mud floor in the second home. This is the subfloor we’re looking at after all. Termites can travel along through the mud and climb up into the home above. That’s exactly what happened in the photo shown. 

Importantly, home one also gets regular termite inspections. And they have an ATBS installed. We did find some historical evidence of termites in this home. We also found termite activity in one the bait stations. They’ve had no termite issues in the home though. 

termite damage to studs - Copy 3
Brick and timber. Even brick homes have timber. Termites have an uncanny knack of finding it.

A Tail Of Two Brick Homes, Safer/Not Safe From Termites

What these two examples show you is that a brick home can offer some advantages in the fight against termites.

In some circumstances.

But a brick home is in no way safe from termites.

The best way to ensure you home is safe from termites is with a termite inspection.

Lots Of Brick Homes With Termites

We’ll leave you with a gallery of brick homes that had their problems with termites. They’re a very good reminder homes aren’t safe just because they’re made of bricks.

Free Quotes On Termite Inspections

Play Video

FAQ: Can Termite Infest A Brick Home

Can termites infest a brick-built home?
Yes. Even though bricks and concrete aren’t eaten by termites, the timber frame, skirtings, door/window frames, and other cellulose-based materials behind or beside the brickwork are a target.
No. Brick construction offers some advantages, but it does not guarantee safety. Termites can enter through expansion joints, gaps in mortar, service penetrations, or via timber elements within the structure.

Some frequent entry points include:

  • Cracks or gaps in mortar or bricks
  • Service penetrations (pipes, conduits) through slab or brickwork
  • Areas where soil, paving or mulch abuts the brick wall
  • Timber elements in contact with soil or behind façade materials

Termites often build “mud tubes” or “leads” (soil/saliva tunnels) along or over brickwork, concrete walls or slabs, which allow them to move unseen and reach timber elements, as shown in the image below. 

mud tubes brick wall

They may offer slightly better visibility of termite activity or fewer accessible gaps, but they are not immune. Any timber components, cavity spaces or entry gaps can still allow termite access.

Indicators include:

  • Mud tubes on brick walls, slab edges or sub-floor walls

  • Timber in the structure sounding hollow when tapped

  • Discoloured or blistering walls/paint near the floor-line

  • Wings or swarmers inside the home

  • Moisture or damp conditions near the base of the walls

Yes. Damp or wet conditions (especially in sub-floor cavities, behind brickwork, around poorly drained slabs) increase risk because termites favour moist environments. Good drainage, ventilation and moisture control reduce risk.

Key prevention actions include:

  • Ensure timber doesn’t touch soil or mulch against the brick wall

  • Remove wood piles, stumps or timber debris close to the home

  • Fix leaks, manage drainage and avoid soil/build-up against the base of walls

  • Seal gaps, maintain mortar joints, keep landscaping clear of brick walls

  • Schedule regular termite inspections (ideally annually)

Richard will install a termite baiting system to erradicate the termites. Early detection speeds treatment and reduces repair costs.

Given the hidden risks even in brick homes, a comprehensive termite inspection at least once a year is strongly recommended to catch activity early before major damage occurs.