Termites eat timber from the inside out — by the time you see the damage, the colony has often been active for months. Here's what to look for, and what fixing it actually involves.
Termite damage is one of the more unnerving discoveries a homeowner can make in a parquet floor — not because it's common, but because it's often advanced by the time it's noticed. Termites feed on timber from within, leaving a thin, intact-looking surface right up until a board gives way underfoot.
Here's how to catch it early, and what an honest repair process actually looks like once it's confirmed.
The most reliable early sign is sound, not sight: tap along your parquet, especially near skirting, door frames, and built-in carpentry. Healthy timber sounds solid; termite-hollowed timber sounds papery or hollow. Pressing gently — softness or give under your fingers is a red flag.
Other signs include blistering or bubbling that looks similar to water damage (a common mix-up), thin mud tubes running along skirting or wall junctions, and small piles of discarded wings near windows or lights after a swarm. In Singapore's year-round humidity, subterranean termites — the most common and destructive type here — stay active with no seasonal lull.
| Factor | Subterranean Termites | Drywood Termites |
|---|---|---|
| Most common in Singapore? | Yes – the dominant type | Less common |
| Needs soil contact | Yes – travels via mud tubes | No – lives entirely in the wood |
| Typical entry point | Ground-floor slabs, pipe gaps, cracks | End-grain of timber, joints |
| Visible warning sign | Mud tubes along walls/skirting | Frass (droppings) near frame corners |
| Risk in mid/high-rise units | Lower, but possible via pipe runs | Possible in original timber flooring |
Damage is frequently well advanced by the time surface signs appear — this is why tap-testing periodically matters more than waiting for visible symptoms.
If a neighbouring unit has had termites, don't wait for symptoms in your own home — shared timber elements like door frames and skirting can give termites a route between units.
Suspect termite damage in your parquet? Send us a photo — we'll tell you what we see.
WhatsApp a Photo NowWe assess whether damage is termite-related, water-related, or general wear, and replace affected boards with properly matched timber.
View This Service →WhatsApp us a few photos and we'll tell you honestly what your floor needs — no obligation.
