Before the professional inspection
You can do a preliminary termite risk assessment yourself when viewing properties. While this doesn't replace a professional inspection, it helps you identify high-risk properties before you spend money on a full inspection.
- 1Check for mud tubes on foundation walls, piers and subfloor — brown, pencil-width tubes running up from the ground
- 2Tap structural timber with a screwdriver — hollow or papery sounds indicate termite damage
- 3Look for termite swarming signs — discarded wings on windowsills, floors and in cobwebs
- 4Check for damp or moisture issues — water stains, musty smells, visible mould
- 5Look for timber-on-ground — old stumps, sleepers, firewood, building materials near the house
- 6Check weep holes — are they clear or covered by soil, mulch or paving?
- 7Assess the subfloor — is it dry and well-ventilated, or damp and enclosed?
- 8Check the roofline — are there gaps where roof tiles meet, or damaged eaves?
- 9Look at neighbouring properties — do they have termite barriers or monitoring stations?
During the professional inspection
A professional termite inspection uses tools and techniques not available to the average homeowner — moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, sounding tools and trained pattern recognition. The inspector will assess all accessible areas of the property including the subfloor, roof void, internal and external walls, and the surrounding grounds.
- Ensure the inspector is licensed and insured — ask for their licence number
- Ask whether they use thermal imaging and moisture detection — these significantly improve detection rates
- Request a written report that complies with Australian Standard AS 3660.2
- Ask the inspector to explain any findings in plain English — don't accept jargon
- Get a clear statement on whether there is current termite activity, past damage, or conditions conducive to future attack
After the inspection
- 1Read the full report — don't just rely on the summary
- 2If active termites are found, get treatment quotes before proceeding with the purchase
- 3If past damage is found, assess whether repairs were done properly — a building inspection can help
- 4If conditions are conducive to termite attack, factor the cost of remediation into your offer
- 5If no issues are found, plan for an annual inspection — the inspection is a point-in-time assessment, not a guarantee
- 6Consider installing a termite management system if the property has no current protection