Pest Inspections & Termite Inspections
When purchasing property in Australia, arranging a professional pest and termite inspection in conjunction with your building inspection is an important step in protecting your investment.
Termites cause significant structural damage to homes every year, and because they typically live underground or inside timber structures, infestations can remain hidden for long periods.
A professional pest inspection helps identify active termite activity, previous termite damage, and conditions that may attract timber pests, allowing you to make a more informed decision before buying a property.
Our experienced pest inspectors conduct thorough visual inspections of all accessible areas of the home, including interior spaces, external structures, roof cavities and subfloor areas, with a detailed report provided the following morning.
Why Pest & Termite Inspections Are Important
Termites are one of the most destructive pests affecting Australian homes. Because they typically live underground or inside timber structures, infestations can remain undetected for long periods.
For this reason, it’s important to get a professional pest or termite inspector who knows common areas to check for termite damage or conditions conducive to termites.
A professional pest and termite inspection can help identify:
- Active termite colonies
- Previous termite damage
- Areas at risk of future infestations
- Structural timber damage
- Conditions conducive to termite activity
For property buyers, a termite inspection can help avoid unexpected repair costs and may also assist when negotiating repairs or purchase price adjustments.
Book a pest and termite inspection now.
For more information about our building and pest inspection services visit our Help Centre. To arrange a pest and termite inspection, visit our booking page for a quote or contact us free on 1300 337 447.
What Does a Pest & Termite Inspection Involve?
A professional pest and termite inspection involves a thorough visual examination of all readily accessible areas of a property to identify evidence of termite activity, timber pest damage or conditions that may increase the risk of infestation.
During the inspection, the termite inspector carefully assesses both the interior and exterior of the building as well as other accessible areas that may conceal termite activity.
Areas Inspected:
Exterior areas
- External walls and timber structures
- Decks, pergolas and fences
- Landscaping timbers and garden beds
- Timber stored near the house
Interior areas
- Walls and skirting boards
- Door and window frames
- Flooring and structural timbers
- Wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms
Roof space
- Roof framing timbers
- Signs of termite activity or damage
- Moisture or ventilation issues
Subfloor areas
- Bearers and joists
- Evidence of termite mud tubes
- Moisture and ventilation conditions
Inspectors also assess conditions conducive to termites, such as timber-to-soil contact, moisture issues, or poor drainage.
How Inspectors Detect Hidden Termite Activity
Because termites are usually concealed within walls, floors or underground, detecting a termite infestation requires the combination of specialised tools and professional expertise.
Our experienced inspectors use a range of equipment to assist in identifying signs of termite activity that are not immediately visible on the surface, including:
Moisture meters
These devices help detect areas of elevated moisture levels within walls or timber structures, which can create favourable conditions for termite activity.
Thermal imaging cameras
Thermal cameras can identify temperature differences behind surfaces, which may indicate termite activity within wall cavities or structural timbers.
Sounding tools
Inspectors may tap timber structures to detect hollow areas that may indicate internal termite damage.
Inspection probes
Specialised probing tools can be used to gently test timber for signs of weakness or concealed damage.
Torches and mirrors
These allow inspectors to examine tight or dark spaces within roof cavities, subfloors and other confined areas.
While these tools assist with detection, termite inspections remain non-invasive visual inspections, meaning areas concealed behind walls or floors may not always be accessible without further investigation.
What Your Pest Inspection Report Includes
After the inspection, you will receive a comprehensive pest inspection report outlining the findings.
Reports typically include:
- Evidence of active termite activity
- Signs of previous termite damage
- Identification of timber pests
- Areas that were inaccessible during inspection
- Photos documenting key findings
- Conditions conducive to termite infestation
- Recommendations for treatment or monitoring
Inspection reports are generally delivered via email the following morning, allowing buyers or property owners to quickly review the findings and consider any recommended actions.
Book a pest and termite inspection now
To arrange a pest and termite inspection, visit our booking page for a quote or contact us free on 1300 337 447.
Pest & Termite Inspection FAQs
Find out more about our professional Termite Inspection services and what's involved by viewing our Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us to discuss your options.
- What is a Pest Inspection
- What does a Pest/Termite Inspection entail
- How long does a Pest Inspection take?
- How much is a Pest Inspection?
- What do Termites look like?
- What is the difference between ants and termites?
- How do you treat termites?
- Could there be hidden termite damage?
- What can I do to prevent termite infestation
- Why do I have to treat if there are no live termites?
- Termites Behaving Badly - Video
What is a Pest Inspection?
A Timber Pest Inspection or Termite Inspection entails a professional pest inspector completing a visual pest and termite inspection of all accessible and available areas of a property for the presence of active termites and/or termite damage. The results of the pest inspection include conducive conditions to termite attacks, risks and recommendations for termite management programs.
What does a Pest/Termite Inspection entail?
A Termite Inspection is a visual inspection of the readily accessible areas of a home for evidence of termite activity and or termite workings/damage. The inspector will visually inspect the interior and exterior of the home or building including any accessible roof cavities or roof void, and sub-floor areas.
After a pest inspection has been performed, the findings are noted in the pest report which will be issued via email the following morning.
How long does a Pest Inspection take?
On average, Pest Inspections take approximately 60 minutes for a thorough inspection, depending on the size and conditions (e.g. clutter; storage of personal items, etc.) of the home and property.
Larger homes or properties with complex structures may require additional time.
How much is a Pest Inspection?
The cost of a comprehensive termite inspection will vary depending on what region you are located in and the size of the property being inspected. For an accurate quote please contact us or view our inspection prices page for an approximate idea of the cost.
What do termites look like?
Subterranean termite colonies consist of three different castes: reproductives, workers and soldiers.
All of the subterranean termites are generally creamy white in appearance and are translucent, looking very much in size, shape and colour as a grain of rice.
The reproductives, or "swarmers", have a pair of even-sized wings and are often mistaken for flying ants. The workers look similar to the "swarmers" only they are a little smaller and do not have wings. The soldiers are also similar except for their oversized heads and large, crushing mandibles.
What is the difference between ants and termites?
There are a number of differences between ants and termites. The body shape of an ant is like an hourglass--it narrows between the abdomen in the rear and the thorax in the front. The body of a termite is more cigar-shaped without the narrowing between the front and back halves of the body. When wings are present, ants have larger wings in the front and smaller wings in the back, whereas termite swarmers have relatively equal-sized wings. Ant wings are less veiny than termite wings.
Also, ant wings have a stigma (dark spot) on the leading edge of the front wing, and termite wings do not.
Ant antennae are bent or curved, while termite antennae are relatively straight. Also, termites eat the wood they tunnel through, causing damage to homes and property, while ants do not.
Types of termites
Schedorhinotermes Intermedius
Common throughout south-east Queensland, the Schedorhinotermes Intermedius termite can cause major structural damage to hardwood timbers. Often having multiple nesting points in dead tree stumps, native trees or underground, they travel across the property to get to new nesting points and food sources, making it difficult to locate the source of the infestation.
They eat both softwood and hardwood timbers, usually attacking weathered or moist areas of the home. Ferocious termite attacks can even leave solid hardwood reduced to shambles.
Coptotermes acinaciformis
Considered the most destructive termite species throughout Australia, the Coptotermes acinaciformis forms large colonies and can be found anywhere on the Australian mainland. Because of the size of their colonies, they’re capable of causing incredible damage in relatively short periods.
While they can show up anywhere in suburbia, they tend to nest in gum trees, old tree stumps, old logs and even behind retaining walls. They’re a bold species and you can sometimes find them over 100 metres from their nest.
Nasutitermes Walkeri
Noticeably darker than other termite species, the Nasutitermes Walkeri is easily identified by its colouring and single sharp point on the head of the soldier caste (most have two acting as incisors). They can be found in eastern New South Wales and south-east Queensland.
They tend to form dark coloured mud mounds as nests in Brisbane’s bushland areas but like to make themselves home in roof cavities. Although they can be found nesting in homes they prefer to feed on decaying hardwood, so it’s possible to have an infestation with very little timber damage.
Microcerotermes Turneri
Another local Brisbane species, the Microcerotermes Turneri termite can be found nesting in light brown coloured mud mounds in bushland areas. While they can damage timber and gyprock walls, these pests prefer to eat weathered and decaying timber.
One of the slower-moving termite species, they aren’t too aggressive and rarely cause structural damage. If they do infest your home, you’ll most likely find them in roof cavities or within the walls.
How do you treat termites?
If termite activity is identified, several treatment methods may be recommended depending on the type of infestation and the structure of the property.
Common termite treatment options include:
1. Chemical Soil Barriers
Chemical barriers involve applying termiticide to the soil surrounding a building to create a protective zone between the termite colony and the structure. When installed correctly, these barriers can be highly effective in preventing termites from accessing the building.
2. In-Ground Baiting Systems
Termite baiting systems involve installing bait stations around the perimeter of the property. These stations contain cellulose material that attracts termites. When termites feed on the bait, they carry it back to the colony, helping eliminate the infestation over time.
The most appropriate treatment will depend on factors such as the size of the infestation, construction of the building, and surrounding environment.
The cost of termite treatment will vary depending on the type of treatment chosen, the size of the property and the level of infestation. Read more about termite treatments here.
Could there be Hidden Termite Damage?
Absolutely. One of the main characteristics of termites and termite nests is their tendency to avoid open air and bright lights, meaning they will stay underground or within wood materials.
It is almost impossible for an inspector to visually identify or locate an active termite infestation just by looking at the finished surface of a wall or the accompanying trim.
For this reason, professional timber pest inspectors will have a number of tools on hand to help detect termite activity, including thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters.
Common Signs of Termites
Because termites often remain hidden, infestations are not always easy to detect. However, certain signs may indicate the presence of termite activity within a property.
Common signs of termites include:
- Hollow sounding timber when tapped
- Mud tubes or termite leads along walls, foundations or brickwork
- Tight fitting doors or windows caused by damaged timber frames
- Bubbling paint or cracked plaster surfaces
- Small piles of discarded wings near windows or doors
- Faint clicking sounds coming from inside walls
If you notice any of these warning signs, arranging a professional termite inspection as soon as possible is strongly recommended.
How Often Should You Get a Termite Inspection?
In Australia, it is generally recommended that properties undergo a professional termite inspection at least once every 12 months.
Regular inspections are important because termite activity can develop quickly and often remains hidden until damage becomes visible.
More frequent inspections may be recommended if:
- your property is located in a high termite risk area
- there has been previous termite activity
- there are timber structures close to the home
Regular inspections help detect termite activity early with treatment options put in place before any serious damage can occur.
How to Prevent Termite Infestations
While termite activity cannot always be prevented entirely, certain steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of infestation.
Property owners can help minimise risk by:
- Avoiding direct timber-to-soil contact around the home
- Removing timber debris or stored timber from subfloor areas
- Maintaining effective drainage around the property
- Ensuring adequate ventilation in subfloor spaces
- Keeping garden beds and landscaping timbers away from the building
Common conditions that are conducive to an infestation are
- surface to wood contact at support posts;
- cellulose debris and form boards left in the crawlspace;
- improper drainage away from the structure; and
- inadequate ventilation in the crawlspace.
Correction of these conditions will greatly reduce the likelihood of an infestation, however regular professional termite inspections remain one of the most effective ways to detect termite activity early and minimise the risk of structural damage.
Why do I have to treat if there are no live termites?
If there is evidence of a termite infestation and no evidence of a termite treatment having been done it is likely that active termites may be present in areas not accessible by the inspector and a further investigation is essential. This means treatment is necessary even though no live termites were discovered.
Book a pest and termite inspection now.
For more information about our building and pest inspection services visit our Help Centre. To arrange a pest and termite inspection, visit our booking page for a quote or contact us free on 1300 337 447.
Why Choose Inspect My Home?
Choosing an experienced building and pest inspection provider is essential when assessing a property for termite activity or timber pest damage.
Our pest and termite inspections are carried out by qualified inspectors with years of experience in identifying termite activity and conditions conducive to termite infestation.
With Inspect My Home, you will receive:
- Experienced and licensed pest inspectors
- Thorough inspections of accessible property areas
- Detailed and easy-to-understand inspection reports
- Fast report delivery, typically the following morning
- Professional advice regarding termite risks and management
By providing clear and reliable pre-purchase inspection reports, we help property buyers and homeowners make informed decisions about the condition of their property.
Book A Property Inspection Now
We operate throughout Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia providing comprehensive pre-purchase building inspections, pest inspections, handover inspections and dilapidation reports.
If you're looking to purchase a property and want to make an informed decision, leave it to the professionals and get a combined building and pest inspection from a reputable, independent company.
Enquire about an inspection online or contact us on 1300 337 447.
