PRE PURCHASE TIMBER PEST INSPECTION (TERMITES)
When buying a new property, conducting a Timber Pest Inspection in conjunction with a Building Inspection is crucial. This combined approach ensures that any termite activity or damage is detected early, providing you with a comprehensive 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.
Our timber pest and termite inspections include a visual examination of the readily accessible areas of the property for signs of termite activity, workings, or damage. Inspected areas include the building’s interior and exterior, as well as accessible roof cavities and subfloor areas, in accordance with AS4349.3. The inspection results will be documented in a pest report, which will be emailed to you later the same day, along with any recommendations for appropriate termite treatments.
Book a Pre Purchase Timber Pest Inspection (Termite) now.
Termites & Timber Pests 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 Pre purchase Timber Pest Inspection?
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.
What does aTermite 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 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.
How long does a Timber Pest Inspection take?
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.
How much is a Timber Pest Inspection?
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!
What do termites look like?
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.
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 spp
Coptotermes is widely distributed Australia-wide, except for a few isolated high rainfall areas and is the most destructive species targeting timber buildings.
Identifying termites based on soldiers can be unreliable, but locality, nesting habits, and measurements can help. Their nests may be underground, in old stumps or trees, sleeper retaining walls, or domed mounds. Colonies consist of a queen, king, soldiers, workers, and reproductives. Soldiers are 3.5 to 6.5 mm long, have no teeth on their mandibles, and have pear-shaped yellowish heads that exude a drop of milky fluid from the frontal gland when disturbed.
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 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 find them in roof cavities or within the walls.
How do you treat termites?
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.
Could there be Hidden Termite Damage?
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.
What can I do to Prevent Termite Infestation?
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
- surface to wood contact at support posts;
- wet area infill slabs often found in older homes;
- cellulose debris and form boards left in the crawlspace;
- garden beds against the foundations;
- improper drainage away from the structure; and
- inadequate ventilation in the crawlspace.
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.
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 Pre Purchase Timber Pest Inspection (Termite) now.
TERMITE TREATMENT
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.
About Termite Treatments
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.
Types of Termite Treatments
There are several methods available to treat subterranean termites.
Chemical Termite Barriers
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.
Termite Baiting System (In-Ground)
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.
Read our article: Which Termite Treatment Is The Most Effective
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.
Termite Management Programs
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:
- Termites
- Cockroaches
- Rats and Mice
- Spiders
- Redback spiders
- Coastal Brown Ants
- Black Ants
- Silverfish
- Fleas
We also offer comprehensive visual termite and pest inspections, and pre-purchase reports carried out by our highly qualified inspectors.
Our Pest Control technicians are highly skilled and use only the safest and most effective techniques for pest eradication. All of our chemicals are environmentally friendly and safe for both humans and pets.
Our friendly service and effective pest control methods have enabled us to build a reputation as one of the most reputable companies in the industry. Contact us today for a quote, or book your pest control spray online.
Fact Sheet For General Pest Control Sprays
- You don’t have to do any preparation before you get a general spray done in your home. Therefore there is no need to empty any cupboards before the pest controller arrives (only if there is a bad infestation of German Cockroaches).
- The chemicals used for a general pest control spray are totally safe for your family and pets. However, we do recommend that any pet food and water bowls be removed prior to treatment and cleaned after treatment. The chemicals, however, used may harm reptiles and fish. We recommend that reptiles are removed, that fish tanks are covered, and the aerator pumps are turned off during treatment and ½ an hour after treatment.
- The chemicals used for a general pest control spray are totally safe for your family and pets. However, we do recommend that any pet food and water bowls be removed prior to treatment and cleaned after treatment. The chemicals, however, used may harm reptiles and fish. We recommend that reptiles are removed, that fish tanks are covered, and the aerator pumps are turned off during treatment and ½ an hour after treatment.
- If you are moving into a new home and would like to have it sprayed, it is best to have it done before you move in to ensure complete coverage of the sprayed areas, i.e. no furniture to spray around and all cleaning is done.
- If you are moving into a new home and would like to have it sprayed, it is best to have it done before you move in to ensure complete coverage of the sprayed areas, i.e. no furniture to spray around and all cleaning is done.
- If the house is vacant, the power needs to be turned on so the job can be fully completed, as we treat the roof void with an electric applicator.
- For best results, any painting or cleaning, including carpet cleaning should be done prior to the pest control being carried out. Do not clean down spider webs, and this should be done 7 – 10 days after the treatment. Cleaning windows should also be left until after the job is done.
- Once the spray has been carried out in your home, windows can be cleaned using newspaper or a squeegee with cleaning agents. DO NOT HOSE DOWN THE WINDOWS OR HOUSE.
- Brush spider webs down 7 – 10 days after the pest control spray has been done.
- A general pest control treatment covers spiders, silverfish, cockroaches and coastal brown ants. It does not include termites, borers, rodents or fleas. These pests require a separate treatment, and a fee is charged accordingly.
- The general spray is a residual treatment. The initial spray will kill any pests that are present. Pests that come in contact with the residue will not always die instantly. They become sick and eventually die.
- If pests have only just come in contact with the residue they can appear quite normal. If they are in areas where they would not usually be seen, such as in the middle of the floor or wall during the day, the best thing to do is to monitor their condition. If new pests are continually being seen, then a callback may be necessary.
- A general pest control treatment should be carried out annually (or 6 monthly for problem areas) from the date of initial treatment to maintain a pest-free home for you and your family.
- To reduce the likelihood of an infestation of cockroaches, ants and mice in your home, you need to ensure that any food scraps and crumbs are cleaned daily from floors, bench-tops and bins.
- Leaking plumbing and appliances entice cockroaches, which carry diseases, to breed around these areas as they need moisture and also create a risk for termite infestation.
- Each pest control operator is local and trained in the specific problems in your area, so he will be able to find the problem faster and treat it in the best, safest and most economical manner.
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