When you buy a new property, conducting a Timber Pest Inspection in conjunction with a Building Inspection is crucial. This combined approach detects any termite activity or damage early, giving you a complete understanding of the property’s condition.
In Australia, nearly 180,000 homes are impacted by termites each year, leading to repair costs of $1.3 billion annually. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 homes suffer termite damage, highlighting the widespread and costly nature of this issue.
Termites typically avoid open air and bright lights, so their colonies are often underground, out of sight, or within wood materials. As a result, termite damage is frequently hidden from view. Therefore, it’s essential to hire a professional timber pest inspector who knows the common areas to check for termite damage or conditions conducive to termites.
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.
A Timber Pest Inspection entails a professional timber pest inspector completing a visual timber pest and termite inspection of all accessible and available areas of a property for the presence of active termites and/or termite and timber pest damage in accordance with AS4349.3.2010. The results of the timber pest inspection include conducive conditions to termite attacks, risks and recommendations for termite management programs.
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 voids, and sub-floor areas.
After a termite inspection has been performed, the findings are noted in the pest report which will be issued via email the same day.
On average, Pre purchase Timber Pest Inspections take approximately 60 minutes for a thorough inspection, depending on the size and conditions (e.g. clutter; storage of personal items, etc.) the inspection is to the accessable areas of the home and property.
The pest inspection is offered at a competitive price of $240 to $290, depending on the location and size of the home. Book your timber pest inspection with our experienced team today!
The cost of a comprehensive pre purchase timber pest inspection will vary depending on what region you are located in and the size of the property being inspected, with most inspections costing from $240 to $295 inc GST. For an accurate quote, please contact us.
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.
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.
There are several termite treatment options available to treat subterranean termites:
1. Chemical treatment is the most common treatment type. The goal of a subterranean termite chemical treatment is to establish a continuous termiticide barrier between the termite colony (usually in the soil) and timber in a building. Termite barriers are an effective treatment option.
2. In-ground baiting systems are also becoming a popular method for the treatment of subterranean termites. A subterranean termite baiting system involves placement of cellulose (wood material or active chemical in the bait stations at strategic locations around the perimeter of the home.
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.
Absolutely!
One defining characteristic of termites and their nests is their preference to avoid open air and bright lights, keeping them hidden underground or within wood materials. This makes it nearly impossible for an inspector to spot an active termite infestation just by examining the surface of a wall or trim.
To accurately detect termite activity, professional timber pest inspectors use specialized tools such as thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters. These tools enable a thorough and precise inspection, ensuring that any hidden infestations are uncovered.
The current standard method of preventing infestation on homes is to have a Pest Management Technician visit the home and inject a liquid termiticide into the foundation areas and wet area infill slabs. The building sciences are continually coming up with new methods of infestation prevention and termite control. A homeowner could also make post-construction adjustments to the home that are less conducive to an infestation of wood-destroying insects and timber pests.
Common conditions that are conducive to an infestation are
Correction of these conditions will greatly reduce the likelihood of an infestation.
In addition to proper maintenance and care of the property, annual termite inspections are integral to staying on top of any infestation and potential damage.
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.
Termite infestations cause an estimated $1.3 billion in damage to Australian homes each year. They are particularly active in warm, wet areas such as coastal towns and humid climates, especially after periods of heavy rain. All mainland towns and cities’ properties are at risk.
Homeowners and contractors should recognize that newly built homes represent substantial investments. Choosing the most cost-effective method of termite control may not always be the best or most suitable option for their specific site requirements. Ensuring proper termite protection is crucial to safeguarding these investments over the long term.
In 1995, there was an update in the approach to termite treatment systems for buildings with concrete slabs. This new method involved redesigning concrete slabs to minimize full-thickness cracks, thereby restricting termite access primarily to areas around drainage pipes or slab edges.
These updated systems are installed at the slab level and are integrated before brickwork commences. Initially, treatments included chemical solutions, Termimesh, or Granitguard. Over time, additional products such as Kordon and reticulation systems have also gained approval. As the industry advances, more products continue to receive approval.
Each termite treatment system possesses distinct characteristics and installation requirements. For comprehensive details on each product and its installation, it’s advisable to consult the respective manufacturer or installer.
Termite treatment systems require approval under Australian Standard 3660. 1-1995 and amended in 2000. It is also a requirement that a durable sticker is placed in the meter box to identify which system has been installed and when.
There are several methods available to treat subterranean termites.
Chemical treatment is the most common treatment type available for subterranean termites. The goal of a subterranean termite chemical treatment is to establish a continuous termiticide barrier between the termite colony (usually in the soil) and timber in a building. This is done by placing termiticide in the soil around the foundation elements to provide a barrier preventing termites from entering the structure. Technicians trench the soil and inject termiticide beneath it. This creates a protective barrier around the property.
In-ground baiting systems are also becoming a popular method for the treatment of subterranean termites. A subterranean termite baiting system involves placement of cellulose (wood material) bait stations at strategic locations around the perimeter of the home. Worker termites, which constantly forage for wood to feed their colony, locate the cellulose bait stations and leave special scent trails to summon their mates to the food source. The cellulose material in the bait station is then replaced with a chemical inhibitor, retarding the moulting process in termites and preventing them from growing. The carrier termites then bring the chemical back to the colony and–if everything goes well–spread the inhibitor throughout the remainder of the colony. Because of the growth inhibitor, the carrier and the rest of the colony will die.
The termite treatment that will be used depends on various factors such as the type of building, whether there are flaws in the construction, the soil type on the property and the slope of the block, to name a few. Sometimes, combining both treatment options is best to ensure full eradication and protection against termites. It is highly recommended that termite inspections are carried out by a qualified professional on a regular, ongoing basis, as early detection is key in minimising any potential damage to the property.
For more information on termite management programs, industry changes and chemical termite barriers, please take the time to read the advisory notes or feel free to contact us by phone to discuss further.
Read more about Termites here.
Our expert pest control services can eradicate and prevent these selected pests:
We also offer comprehensive visual termite and pest inspections, and pre-purchase reports carried out by our highly qualified inspectors.
Our skilled Pest Control technicians use the safest, most effective techniques to eliminate pests, with environmentally friendly chemicals that are safe for both people and pets.
With our friendly service and proven pest control methods, we’ve built a strong reputation as a trusted leader in the industry. Contact us today for a quote or easily book your pest control spray online.
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A property purchase is time-sensitive, so we strive to schedule your inspection for the next day after you call. Furthermore, our inspectors aim to deliver your report within the same day of completing the inspection.
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