What is involved in a termite inspection?

When our technicians are completing a termite inspection, common questions that are asked include:

• What are we looking for?
• Where do we check?
• Will we be able to see if there are termites?

Here are the steps that are involved in our termites inspections.

First, we talk to you.

Before we begin our termite inspection, we talk to you. We have some questions that we ask to determine if you have seen any termite activity or evidence. These questions can help us complete an inspection as we will ensure we investigate these areas during our initial inspection. In additional to visual evidence and indicators such as swarms, termite damage and actual pest identification, we’ll also ask about the sounds of your floorboards. Squeaky, spongy, bouncy and creaky floorboards are all signs that there may be termite damage below.

Next, we look everywhere.

We check any type of accessible timber construction in your home as it could potentially host termite activity. Our technicians will look at all accessible timbers, including under floors and subfloors, inside the roof, and at the home’s piers. The subfloor will show the first signs of termite activity. This will be an indicator for any damage above floor.

We look for four things.

We are not just looking for damaged wood or termite tunnels, but also for signs that the wood is susceptible to pests. We use tools to help us inspect the facilities include moisture metres, which can reveal moisture hidden behind wall’s surfaces, and tappers, which can reveal changes in timber strength.

We are looking for:

• Termite tunnels
• Dampness
• Moisture
• Timber damage

Why look for moisture?

Cells in wood hold a lot of moisture. When it starts to break down, it goes through a process known as delignification. Delignification releases carbon dioxide, which attracts termites. So, moisture in wood is not necessarily a sign that there are termites, but it can be a warning that wood needs to be replaced before it attracts termites.

We look outside the house.

After checking inside your house, we also inspect your home’s exterior. We look at trees, fences, and other issues in the yard. Trees that are dead or dying can be a warning sign of termite activity and can invite termites. Eucalyptus trees are at high risk. If there is mould or fungi on your wooden surfaces, this can also damage the wood and make it vulnerable to termites.

We discuss results with you.

All of our findings are reported using AS3660 standards. We thoroughly explain the results of our inspection, and, if we find evidence of termites, we discuss our treatment recommendations. To ensure your home remains free of termites, it is important to receive an annual termite inspection to identify any damage before it becomes a serious problem. Many of our Constant Home Protection plans include an annual termite inspection which will protect and safeguard your home.