What is a Termite Inspection?
A termite inspection is often called a timber pest inspection & its purpose is to basically detect any termite activity before it becomes a bigger problem. A licensed timber pest inspector conducts a comprehensive visual inspection of your home and property, the yard, inside, outside, roof void and sub floor for any signs of termite activity & or termite damage. The timber pest technician will also provide you with an inspection report. They will alert you to termite access areas and potential problems, as well as any existing problems.
As a home owner you need to be constantly aware of the potential damage termites can cause to your home. If you have noticed signs of termites, suspect termites around your neighbourhood or have the smallest of concerns of termites, you should waste no time in getting a termite inspection. Do not disturb them & call us.
We also use specialised equipment which show us the areas of your home that may have a build up of moisture, which is one element termites look for in their search for food.
Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home & can cause irreparable structural damage within 12-24 months of attacking a home before you’re even aware you have a problem. It also doesn’t matter if you have just moved in to your newly built home or are living in a 20 or 30 year old home, they don’t discriminate.
Unfortunately home building insurance doesn’t cover termite damage because termites are classified as insects. Instead, insurers refer to insects as a preventable problem, which means the homeowner is responsible for the damages. For this reason, I highly recommend that you have a regular annual termite inspection. I also recommend acting quickly and contacting us at the first signs of termites.
According to CSIRO, 1 in 5 homes will experience a termite problem within the first 5 years after construction. CSIRO also estimate that 80% of all homes are within 25 metres of a termite nest. With termites capable of travelling over 100 metres from their nest to a food source, it’s a pretty sure thing that your house is within range of at least one termite nest!
Having a termite inspection will also allow us to inspect your property for potential problems, such as termite entry points. This minimises the risk of termite attack in the future. When it comes to the damage termites can cause, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
How long does a termite inspection take?
A termite inspection will usually take 1-2 hours depending on the size of your home. This time will vary depending on your home type. If your home has a sub-floor we will need to inspect under the property as well.
How much does a termite inspection cost?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $250 upwards depending on the size of your property & the extent of the inspection.
What do termites look like & how do they get into your home?
Termites are small insects that are attracted to moisture found in wood and other structural materials found in houses. They have pale brown to white bodies with a darker head and have no waist between the thorax and abdomen. The antennae have bead-like segments. The non-reproductive forms never develop wings, are blind, and have thin skin that makes them vulnerable to drying out. Reproductive forms have two pairs of equal-sized wings, one pair of compound eyes and a thicker skin that protects them better from drying out when exposed.
Termites live in large colonies & typically enter homes via subterranean tunnel networks which can extend up to 100 metres away from the termite nest & find their way into your home through cracks in your building exteriors or through moisture build up in the sub floor. This means that a property owner can have termites in and around their home but remain unaware of the damage that is being caused until it becomes bad enough that it is visible.
