Understanding the report structure
A professional pest inspection report compliant with Australian Standard AS 3660.2 follows a standard structure. Understanding this structure helps you extract the information that matters and not get lost in technical detail.
Key sections to read carefully
- Property details — confirms the correct property was inspected
- Weather conditions — termite activity is affected by recent weather; inspections after rain or in hot, humid conditions are more likely to detect activity
- Areas inspected — and just as importantly, areas NOT inspected (obstructed, inaccessible or unsafe). Limited access means limited detection.
- Evidence of timber pests — the most critical section. This should clearly state whether there is current activity, past damage, or no evidence found.
- Type of timber pest identified — termites, borers or fungal decay, with species identification where possible
- Location of activity or damage — specific areas of the property affected
- Severity of damage — assessed where damage is visible
- Conditions conducive to timber pest attack — issues that increase future risk
- Recommendations — treatment, management and maintenance recommendations
Reading between the lines
Some report language has specific meaning that isn't immediately obvious:
- 'No evidence of activity found' — means no activity was detected at the time of inspection, NOT that the property is termite-free. Termites can be active in inaccessible areas.
- 'Past termite activity' — termites were present at some point but are not currently active. Damage may or may not have been repaired.
- 'Conditions conducive to attack' — the property has features that increase termite risk (timber-on-ground, poor ventilation, etc.) that should be addressed.
- 'Limited inspection' — some areas couldn't be inspected (e.g. roof void with no access, subfloor too low). This reduces the reliability of the report.
- 'Concealed areas' — areas that can't be inspected without cutting into walls or removing linings. Termites can be active in these areas without detection.
Acting on the report
If the report identifies active termites, treatment is urgent — don't delay. If it identifies past damage, have a builder assess whether structural repairs are needed. If it identifies conditions conducive to attack, address them — they're warning signs that the property is at elevated future risk. If the report is clear, maintain annual inspections and consider a termite management plan for ongoing protection.
A pest inspection report is a point-in-time assessment, not a warranty. Termites can enter a property within months of a clear inspection. Annual inspections are the only way to catch activity early enough to prevent significant damage.