A termite inspection is essential to spot termite activity before it becomes a larger problem.
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.
Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home before you’re even aware you have a problem. For this reason, we highly recommend that you have regular annual termite inspections. We also recommend acting quickly and contacting us at the first signs of termites.
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, you can’t put a price on peace of mind.
We understand that every house we visit is different. Each property is unique in its design and construction, having varying degrees of exposure to a potential termite attack. We also understand that every location is different. This is why we use local termite control technicians with local knowledge of the area.
What is a termite inspection?
A termite inspection is often called a timber pest inspection. A licensed timber pest inspector conducts a comprehensive inspection of your home and property for signs of termites. 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.
What does a termite inspection involve?
The initial inspection is the most important part of your termite management program. The first requirement is to determine what the best treatment will be for your property. We take into account the severity of your particular termite infestation or the potential for infestation.
Whenever we conduct a termite inspection on a home, we perform a full and comprehensive inspection of the premises. This process includes inspecting both inside and out, to determine:
- The extent of any present termite infestation.
- Potential risk factors associated with your particular home.
- Areas of your home that may be conducive to a termite attack.
- What treatment method will best suit your property and your particular needs.
We use the latest technology in termite detection. We also possess a range of tools at our disposal. This means we can accurately assess the extent of the termite infestation in your home. Some of the technology we use includes:
- Termatrac radar detection – uses radar pulse technology to determine termite movement through your walls.
- Thermal imaging – allows us to find areas where the temperature may be conducive to termite presence.
- Moisture detection – shows us the areas of the home that may have a build-up of moisture. This is one element termites look for to indicate their food sources.
Having these tools, knowledge and experience means that employing a professional pest controller is a lot more accurate than a DIY pest inspection. We may be able to find things that you will miss; letting termites go undetected will be a costly mistake.
How long is a termite inspection?
The time a termite inspection takes varies. It takes into account the skill, experience and professionalism, as well as local knowledge, of the timber pest technician. The job also depends on the size and complexity of the house structure, the local and surrounding area, land size and more.
For a first inspection, an average job for us may take up to an hour or several hours, depending on the factors mentioned above.
A regular or follow-up inspection can be a lot quicker, depending on circumstances, often under an hour.
What does a termite inspection cost?
The cost is dependent on the size of a house, with other cost factors similar to the length of time an initial termite inspection will take.
To find how much your pest inspection will cost, please contact us here.
What do termites look like?
Termites can easily be mistaken for ‘white ants’. The main differences include: termite wings are equal in size and twice as long as their body, whereas ant wings have a longer set and a shorter set and only as long as their body; termite antennae are straight but ant antennae are bent; and the termite waste section is a lot thicker whereas ants have a thin, segmented waist. In addition, termites are light in colour and sometimes their white/creamy colour can look translucent.
Could there be hidden termite damage?
Absolutely! This is why we advise you to contact us at the first sign of termites. Termites and their colonies are experts at staying undetected. For this reason it is important to stay alert and know the signs of termites.
Hidden termite damage or structural damage can go unnoticed for years. A comprehensive pre-construction plan on new homes can help avoid this devastation. It is also important to get a house inspected for termite damage before purchase.
Homes with unnoticed termite damage can have large structural problems – often larger than what can be seen on the outside as termites destroy the wood from the inside out and sometimes only leave a small veneer of hollow wood.
How often should you get a termite inspection
In an ideal world, termite inspections are carried out every year – or at a pinch, one to two years. Waiting longer than this before getting an inspection gives the termites more time to build their nests. This can make treating termites more difficult, costly and time consuming.
Are annual termite inspections necessary?
Termites typically enter homes via subterranean tunnel networks, which can extend up to 100 metres away from the termite nest. 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.
We have the experience and the technology to detect the presence of termites in your home. In collaboration with you, we will provide you with a solution to your current termite problem. We will also put together a long-term protection plan for your home.
How to prepare for termite inspection
You play a vital role in how your timber pest inspection will go. There are certain things you can do to make the process efficient and quicker. Such as:
- Remove clutter around your home.
- Clear crawl spaces, storage areas, basements, garages and attics etc.
- Restrain your pets.
- Ensure access areas are accessible and open.
How to do a termite inspection by yourself
Of course you can do it yourself, but remember, the professionals have the skills, knowledge and experience to be thorough. The professionals will also come with the latest technology and devices to do the job right.
Performing a DIY termite inspection can be a messy task. However, there are certain tools and tasks that can come in handy:
- Use a strong torch to get a good view of any damage caused.
- A flat-headed screwdriver will be useful in probing wood to find weaknesses, being careful not to cause any damage.
- Use a small hammer to tap any suspected areas for hollow sounds, being careful not to cause any damage. A hard rubber hammer would be good for this.
- Look for signs of termites in mud tubes, damaged wood, near piles of discarded insect wings and buckling or bubbling paint or brittle, dry walls.
Remember, the damage termites can cause can be very expensive. Having a professional coming to your property is worth the cost. If you have performed a termite inspection and have suspicions of termite infestation, contact us immediately. Better safe than sorry.
Why people use Precision Pest Control for termite inspection
Precision, results and customer service are important to us at Precision Pest Control.
We understand that each home is unique. We work in collaboration with you to develop a long-term termite protection plan that is unobtrusive, effective and suits your needs.
After the inspection, we provide you with a full, documented termite inspection report. The reports are compliant with the Australian Standards. We will keep you informed every step of the way.
We have completed more than 75,000 termite inspections in the more than 30 years we have been in business.
We service most areas in the Sydney region, Canberra, Newcastle and the Central Coast of NSW, as well as the Sunshine Coast down to Brisbane in Queensland. See our locations page. For your termite inspection, please contact us for a quote and availability.
Looking for more information? Click here to learn about our termite treatments.