Bricks Don’t Always Mean Safety

Many homeowners believe brick homes are safer from termites. Bricks look strong. They feel solid. For years, people have assumed that termites only attack old timber houses.

But that belief can be risky.

Modern brick homes can still suffer serious termite damage. In some cases, the design of newer homes makes infestations harder to notice. Termites may already be active long before any signs appear inside.

Termite experts say it’s what’s beneath and behind the brickwork that matters most.

How Modern Homes Are Built — and Why That Matters

Older homes were often built on raised timber stumps. Traditional houses might have had 15 to 20 stumps touching the ground, which meant 15 to 20 clear entry points where termites could access the structure.

Because these stumps were visible and raised off the ground, termite activity was easier to spot. Mud leads and damage could often be seen during routine checks, allowing problems to be caught earlier.

Modern homes are built very differently.

Today, many homes are framed with timber and then wrapped in brick veneer or block walls. While these materials look solid, they are not sealed barriers. Termites can move through mortar joints and enter the timber frame hidden behind the brickwork.

According to EPM Pest Control, this type of construction makes modern brick and block homes extremely vulnerable to termite ingress, as termites are able to come through the mortar and access concealed timber framing without being seen.

When brickwork is rendered, inspection points such as mortar lines and weep holes can be covered entirely. This creates even more concealed access points and makes early detection harder.

As a result, modern homes may appear well protected, while termite activity continues unnoticed behind the walls.

Rendered Brick? Even More Hidden Risk

Rendering is often added to brick homes for a clean, modern look. But it can also increase termite risk.

Rendering covers brick joints, weep holes, and small gaps. These areas are important inspection points. When they are sealed over or hidden, termites can enter without being seen.

While outside of the home may look neat and well-protected, termite activity can continue behind the walls for long periods without visible warning signs.

“We often see homes with beautifully rendered walls, but no one realises termites have been active behind them for months,” says Eddy, owner of EPM Pest Control. “Block and brick homes still need full protection — the risk is just hidden, not gone.”

Because rendering limits access and visibility, inspections become more difficult. This increases the chance that damage will only be discovered once termites have already spread through internal timber.

Real-Life Example: The Brick Home With a Hidden Problem

A Brisbane homeowner lived in a newly rendered brick veneer home and believed it was termite-resistant.

After noticing a hollow sound in one internal wall, they arranged an inspection. Termites had entered through a mortar joint hidden by render and moved into the timber framing behind the brickwork.

By the time the activity was found, repairs exceeded $25,000.

The damage was not caused by the brick exterior; it was caused by termites feeding on hidden timber while their entry point remained out of sight.

Brick Wall Living Area

Why Brick and Block Doesn’t Mean Termite-Free

Termites don’t need open cracks or broken walls; they can move through tiny gaps in mortar, travel under slabs, exploit weak points in blockwork, and use moisture sources to stay active.

Block walls, often used in garages and lower levels, can also be affected. Mortar lines and construction joints can provide entry paths. Once inside, termites will search for timber nearby.

Modern building methods can unintentionally reduce visibility and access for proper inspections, allowing termite activity to go unnoticed for longer.How to Protect Your Brick or Block Home

Brick and block homes still need active termite protection. While modern construction can hide entry points, there are practical steps homeowners can take to reduce risk:

  • Book annual termite inspections, even for newer homes. Inspections help identify hidden entry points before termites cause serious damage.
  • Ask about treated zones or termite barriers. These systems are designed to deter termites from entering the structure.
  • Keep garden beds and mulch away from brickwork. Simple maintenance can make a big difference.
  • Make sure your weeping holes and vents are visible and unobstructed. Covering them with render, decking, or landscaping can increase termite risk.
  • Fix leaks as soon as you notice them. Termites are attracted to moisture, and damp conditions can encourage them to settle near a home.

Key Takeaway

Brick homes are not immune to termites. In fact, modern building styles can make infestations harder to detect.

The best protection is understanding where termites can enter and taking early steps to prevent access before damage begins.