What Does A Termite Nest Look Like?

And How To Identify Signs Of Termite Activity In Your Home

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You’re wondering what does a termite nest look like? Termite nests come in different shapes and sizes. Some are easy to identify because they exist in the trees around your home. Others are subterranean, and hence they’re going to be harder to find. The Australian Museum outlines five main types of termite nests:

There Are Four Main Types Of Termite Nests

termite nest with troll

Ground Mounds

These are what many people think of when they think of termite nests. The ground mound is a complex and sophisticated structure made by the termites to home their colony. Seen here is a termite mound found on the southern end of the Gold Coast.

Termite mounds are among the most sophisticated biological structures built by insects. Constructed primarily by certain species of subterranean termites, these mounds function as living infrastructure—providing climate control, protection, food storage and space for colony growth.

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termite nest in Queensland

Tree Nests

Tree nests are common around the Gold Coast. These nests are visible as a large termite bowl on the side of the tree. They are connected to an internal cavity in the tree.

pole nest

Pole Nests

These occur on human structures such as fence posts (as shown here) or telephone poles. The one shown here was photographed by the Gold Coast Pest Inspector during his inspection of a local property. Inspections don't always discover such obvious signs of termites on a property. See subterranean nests below.

Termite inspections Gold Coast

Subterranean Nests

These nests are underground, in soil, stumps and tree bases. What we've shown here is a termite trail leading out of the ground up some bricks and into the home above. While these termites may not have lived in a subterranean colony they will live in the dirt quite happily for extended periods and may pass back and forth to a colony located nearby. That colony might live in one of the nest types shown above.

What Is A Termite Mound

A termite mound is an above-ground extension of an underground colony. While some termite species live entirely below ground or within timber, mound-building species create visible earthen structures that can range from small domes to towering spires several metres high. In northern Australia, mound systems can exceed 4–6 metres, making them some of the largest insect-built structures on Earth relative to body size.

The mound is not the whole colony. Beneath it lies an extensive network of tunnels and chambers that may spread dozens of metres outward. The visible mound is primarily a ventilation and protection system.

How Termite Mounds Are Built

Termites construct mounds using a mixture of:

  • Soil particles
  • Saliva
  • Faecal material

This combination forms a cement-like composite that hardens into a durable structure resistant to rain, heat and predators. Workers continuously maintain and repair the mound. Damage is quickly sealed, often within hours.

Construction is decentralised. There is no “architect” termite directing the build. Instead, mound formation is driven by self-organising behaviour, where simple individual actions produce complex large-scale architecture. This process is known as stigmergy—workers respond to environmental cues left by others.

Internal Structure and Ventilation

Inside a mound, you’ll find:

  • Nursery chambers for eggs and larvae
  • Fungus gardens (in some species)
  • Storage areas
  • Air shafts and ventilation tunnels

One of the most remarkable features of termite mounds is their climate control system. Termites are highly sensitive to temperature and humidity. The mound regulates internal conditions to maintain relatively stable temperatures despite extreme external fluctuations.

Ventilation works through a system of porous walls and chimney-like air channels. As outside temperatures change, air moves through the mound via convection, removing excess heat and carbon dioxide. This natural air-conditioning system has inspired architectural design in energy-efficient buildings.

Termite Mounds in Australia

Australia is home to numerous mound-building species, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The magnetic termites of northern Australia are well known for constructing tall, thin mounds aligned north–south. This orientation reduces heat exposure by minimising direct sun during the hottest parts of the day.

In Queensland and the Northern Territory, mounds are a common landscape feature. However, not all termites build visible mounds. Many species responsible for structural damage to homes live entirely underground or within timber and may not create external mound structures.

Ecological Importance

In their natural environments, termites have an important ecological role. They:

  • Improve soil aeration
  • Recycle plant material
  • Redistribute nutrients
  • Increase soil fertility
Termite mounds represent a remarkable example of insect engineering, environmental adaptation and cooperative behaviour. While impressive in the wild, termite activity near buildings should always be professionally assessed, as structural species can cause extensive concealed damage without forming obvious mounds.

What Is a Tree Termite Nest?

Tree termite nests are enclosed colonies built above ground within trees. Unlike classic soil mounds, these structures are typically attached to trunks, branches or located within hollow timber. They are common in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Queensland and northern Australia.

A tree nest is an above-ground colony constructed by certain termite species that prefer elevated, arboreal environments. These nests may appear as dark, rounded masses attached to the trunk or high in the canopy. In some cases, termites utilise natural cavities within trees rather than building an obvious external structure.

Tree nests are usually connected to the soil by covered mud tubes running down the trunk. These tubes allow workers to travel safely between the nest and underground moisture sources.

Construction and Materials

Like mound-building termites, tree-nesting species use a mixture of:
  • Soil particles
  • Chewed wood fibres
  • Saliva
  • Faecal material

This composite material hardens into a protective shell. The exterior often looks rough and layered, similar to dried mud. Internally, the structure contains galleries, chambers and nursery areas.

Some species build carton nests—a lightweight material made primarily from chewed wood and excrement. These are common in arboreal termites and allow the colony to remain elevated while maintaining structural integrity.

Internal Organisation

Inside a tree nest, you will typically find:
  • A central royal chamber containing the queen and king
  • Brood chambers for eggs and larvae
  • Worker galleries
  • Ventilation passages
As with mound systems, temperature and humidity regulation are critical. Elevated nests are exposed to sun and wind, so internal humidity control is essential for survival. The outer shell helps buffer against rapid environmental changes.

Species That Build Tree Nests

In Australia, species within the genus Nasutitermes commonly construct arboreal nests. These termites are recognisable by the soldiers’ pointed snouts, which eject defensive chemicals rather than relying solely on mandibles.

Tree-nesting termites differ from drywood termites, which live entirely inside timber without external nests. Arboreal species maintain a more complex colony structure with clear external architecture.

Ecological Role

Tree nests contribute to ecosystem function by:
  • Breaking down dead wood
  • Recycling nutrients
  • Creating microhabitats for other organisms
In forests and bushland, termite activity accelerates decomposition and improves nutrient cycling.

Risks to Trees and Buildings

A visible tree nest does not always mean the tree is structurally compromised. Some species feed primarily on dead wood within the tree. However, if termites invade living tissue or if the tree is already weakened, structural integrity can decline over time.

From a property perspective, tree nests near buildings are significant because they indicate an active termite population nearby. Even if the nest is several metres above ground, subterranean connections may extend outward. Termites can forage long distances from a central colony.

It is important to note that removing a visible nest does not necessarily eliminate the entire colony. In many cases, secondary or satellite nests may exist.

Most Common Nests In The Gold Coast Area

The most common termite nest here in South East Queensland are those of the subterranean termite. As the name would suggest they build their nest underground, in the soil where the moist warm conditions are ideal to their survival. These are also the trickiest to identify. The most common nest is therefore the subterranean nest. 

You might think that we can’t give you an image of a subterranean nest, given that they’re under ground, but that isn’t quite correct. These termites will sometimes set up nests inside of the walls in homes across the GC. When Richard finds one of these nests and peals back the timber or plaster, he will reveal what is normally hidden. See the images below for examples of nests found in GC homes. 

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So what does a termite nest look like? Here are some examples of the type of termite nest you might see. (There are more at the end of the article.)

What does a termite nest look like
Pole nests are often found in the central coast of NSW on fence posts and telephone poles.
What does a termite nest look like?
These termite nests are more common in the Northern Territory
What does a termite nest look like?
Tree termite nests are found on the outside of a usually hollow tree.

Termite Activity

Even if you don’t see a nest on or near your property, here on the Gold Coast there is a very high chance there are termites active nearby.  Termites can travel and live underground, moving hundreds of metres to and from the termite nest.

Richard’s experience shows that there is almost always some termite activity in every home on the Gold Coast. We recommend you get a professional inspection done. Even professional inspectors can miss signs of termites. (See Signs Of Termites Other Inspectors Missed.) These so-called professionals have more experience than the average person, so you should trust your own ability to spot termites. Also, an experienced termite inspector like Richard will show you have to reduce your risk around your home.

With that said, you’ve come here looking for things you can see around your home that might indicate termite activity. So here goes…

Signs of termite activity

Termites cause billions in damage every year. With most termite nests hidden underground while the termites go about their business inside the walls of the home, by the time the termites have been discovered it is often too late for the homeowner. It can be a very expensive fix and very few, if any, insurance companies cover termite damage. (Really, we can’t stress enough, don’t rely on your own ability to spot termites. Get an inspection. If you’re buying a property, a full building and pest inspection is a must.)

Here are some signs you may come across that are a good indication of termite activity: 

Termite inspections Gold Coast
Mud Tubes
A mud tube is a tell tale sign that you have or have had termite activity in or around your property. A mud tube is made up of soil and wood and is the “transport” tube for the termite colony from their nest to a food source - your house.
Termite damage
Blisters in wood floors, it may sometimes look like the floor has water damage.
What does a termite nest look like
Hollowed or damaged wood
If you tap around doors or windows and it sounds hollow there is a good chance that you have or have had termites.
Evidence of termites
Discarded termite wings
This occurs when termites swarm out of their nest to mate or find a place to start a new colony. If you have found discarded wings this means they have found their new home! They twist off their wings because they no longer need them.
termite evidence another pest inspector missed
Was it termites?
These little spots were ignored by a previous pest inspector. Richard investigated and found a massive termite nest behind them. The image beliow, of the termite nest in a ceiling, is what Richard found behind these markings.

Some More Termite Nest

termite nest on a fence
Termite nest on a fence
This is one Richard found on a reecent inspection.
termite nest in Queensland
Termite nest in a tree
This termite nest was seen in Mount French NP near Boonah.
massive termite nest in wall
Termite nest in a wall
This is something you don't want to find when you do an inspection. Richard uncovered this in a Gold Coast home, an active termite nest in the wall cavity.
termite nest in Queensland
Possible termite nest
This might be an active nest or the scaring left from a old colony not departed.
Another back yard another termite nest
Another backyard termite nest
This was another one Richard found during his inspections.
termite nest close up
Termite nest in a ceiling
When Richard investigated a few spots on the ceiling of this home, he found a massive termite nest behind it. This shows where he has cut away plaster to reveal the nest.
termite nest in reedy creek
Termite nest in Reedy Creek
This big termite nest was seen in Reedy Creek, Gold Coast, just behind some houses. These termites aren't the most dangerous for houses but it's an impressive nest nonetheless.

Time to call a pest inspector

Even if you cannot see any of this evidence of termites there is still a good chance there are some around your Gold Coast property and by the time the damage is noticed, significant structural damage may already be done. It is best to get in first with regular termite inspections from a qualified pest inspector. Give us a call today to arrange a comprehensive termite inspection. 

Termite Nest Video

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Frequently Asked Questions About Termite Nests

What does a termite nest look like?

Termite nests vary in shape, size and location. They can appear as:

  • A large ground mound made of soil and termite-structure.
  • A “bowl” or shell-like structure on the side of a tree (tree nest).
  • A nest in a pole or post (e.g., fence post, telephone pole).
  • A subterranean nest hidden underground, beneath stumps, logs or soil.

On the Gold Coast region you’ll often find nests:

  • In the soil around homes or in bushland.
  • Attached to or inside hollow trees.
  • In timber posts, fence posts, or poles that contact the ground.
  • Under stumps, in tree bases, or beneath homes where warm moist conditions exist.

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Even without seeing a nest you might spot:

  • Mud tubes travelling up walls, piers or bricks.
  • Wood that sounds hollow when tapped (doors, window frames, skirtings).
  • Blisters in wooden floors or floorboards that appear swollen or water-damaged.
  • Discarded termite wings – often a sign that termites have swarmed and established a new colony nearby.

It’s very urgent. Termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year and damage is often discovered too late.

If you suspect you have termite activity or a nest on your property, arrange a professional inspection promptly.

  • Don’t disturb the area unnecessarily — disturbing the colony might cause it to relocate deeper into the building.
  • Contact a qualified termite inspector, especially one familiar with Gold Coast conditions (warm, humid, many termite species).
  • Check around your property for the common signs listed above and consider reducing conditions that favour termite activity (moisture, timber in contact with soil etc).
While simple treatments may target visible nests, many termite colonies (especially subterranean ones) require professional intervention because they’re hidden or extensive. A licensed pest technician will have the training and equipment to fully assess and treat the nest and colony safely and effectively.

Prevention steps include:

  • Ensuring no timber or wooden debris is in direct contact with the soil.
  • Keeping gutters, downpipes and the surrounding ground clear of excess moisture.
  • Ensuring proper ventilation under the home and that the sub-floor is dry.
  • Regular inspections (at least annually) by a qualified termite inspector so any nests or activity can be found early.

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