What is a Termite Inspection?
A termite inspection is a thorough assessment of a property to identify any current termite activity, previous damage, or conditions that could attract and support a future infestation.
Licensed pest control technicians use specialist tools and techniques to inspect all accessible areas of a building, including:
- Interior: skirting boards, architraves, doorframes, wall linings, window sills, and roof voids.
- Exterior: foundation walls, garden beds, decks, fences, subfloor areas, and tree stumps.
- Moisture-prone areas: bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, and around hot water systems.
The technician looks for signs such as mud tubes, damaged or hollow-sounding timber, frass (termite droppings), and moisture issues. Many also use moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and borescopes for more accurate detection.
A professional inspection provides:
- Peace of mind for homeowners and buyers.
- Early detection of activity before it becomes a costly problem.
- A tailored treatment plan based on the property’s unique risks.
Types of Termite Treatment Options
1. Chemical Soil Treatments (Termite Barriers)
These involve applying a liquid termiticide to the soil around and under a structure, creating a treated zone that termites cannot pass through without being affected.
- Repellent barriers: Deter termites from entering the treated area.
- Non-repellent barriers: Termites pass through and transfer the product to the colony.
- Best for: Existing homes with easy soil access around the perimeter.
2. Baiting Systems
A baiting system involves strategically placing stations in the ground or inside the structure. These contain a slow-acting toxic bait that termites consume and share within the colony, leading to elimination.
- Always-active systems: Bait is present year-round for both monitoring and control.
- In-ground stations: Placed around the property perimeter.
- Above-ground stations: Installed directly on active termite leads or infested timber.
- Best for: Long-term colony control and areas where soil treatments aren’t practical.
3. Dusting & Foaming Treatments
These are targeted applications of termiticide dust or foam directly to active termite workings within a building or structure.
- Dusts cling to termite bodies and spread throughout the colony.
- Foams expand to reach hidden galleries inside walls or timber.
- Best for: Quick knockdown of localised activity, often as part of a broader treatment plan.
4. Physical Barriers (Pre-Construction)
Installed during the building phase, these are layers of specialised materials (stainless steel mesh, graded stone, impregnated polymer sheeting) that physically block termite entry points.
- Best for: New builds and extensions to ensure long-term protection before termites have a chance to enter.
Ongoing Prevention
Termite protection is most effective when paired with regular inspections (at least annually, or more often in high-risk areas) and property maintenance, such as reducing timber-to-soil contact, fixing leaks, and removing untreated timber debris.
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