A pest inspection reveals what’s actually happening on your property, not just what you can see. Most infestations develop in concealed spaces: inside wall cavities, beneath floors, within roof voids, behind built-in cabinetry, and under insulation. By the time pests become visible in living areas, populations are typically well established, and damage may already be significant.
Why Sutherland properties need regular inspections
The Shire’s coastal and bushland environment creates conditions that favour pest activity year-round. Properties near Cronulla, Woolooware, and the Georges River corridor experience elevated humidity that supports termite colonies and accelerates cockroach breeding cycles. Homes bordering the Royal National Park in Engadine, Heathcote, and Waterfall face ongoing pressure from bush cockroaches, funnel-web spiders, and rodents that move between bushland and residential areas. Older housing stock through Sutherland, Jannali, Gymea, and Miranda often has subfloor construction that provides sheltered harbourage for rats, mice, and termites.
Annual pest inspections are the minimum recommendation for Sutherland homes. Properties with any of the following characteristics should consider six-monthly inspections: previous termite history, subfloor or raised construction, boundary with bushland or parkland, mature trees within five metres of the structure, or known termite activity in neighbouring properties.
What Oscar and the Bug Free team inspect
Every pest inspection covers the full property, inside and out. We systematically examine:
Roof void: Accessing through manhole covers, we inspect timber framing, roof battens, rafters, and the underside of roofing material for termite damage, borer activity, rodent droppings, nesting material, and entry points. We check around vents, skylights, and any penetrations where pests enter.
Subfloor: Where properties have accessible subfloor space, we inspect bearers, joists, flooring undersides, piers, and foundation walls. This is where termite activity often begins in Sutherland homes, particularly in areas with poor drainage or inadequate ventilation. We look for mud tubes, damaged timber, moisture accumulation, and evidence of rodent habitation.
Interior rooms: We examine skirting boards, door frames, window frames, architraves, and built-in cabinetry for signs of termite damage or entry. Wet areas, including kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries, receive close attention as plumbing penetrations create entry points for cockroaches, ants, and termites. We check behind appliances where German cockroaches commonly harbour.
Exterior perimeter: We inspect external walls, weep holes, expansion joints, cracks in render or brickwork, and the junction between walls and ground level. Garden beds, retaining walls, fences, timber landscaping features, and any stored timber or debris are examined for termite activity and pest harbourage.
Outbuildings: Sheds, garages, granny flats, pergolas, and decking are all included. Termites don’t distinguish between your main house and a garden shed.
Equipment we use during inspections
Thermal imaging cameras detect temperature variations behind walls and under floors that indicate termite nests, moisture accumulation, or rodent activity without cutting into surfaces.
Moisture meters identify damp areas in timber and masonry that attract termites and create favourable conditions for pest harbourage.
Termatrac T3i radar detects movement behind walls, confirming live termite activity when visual evidence alone isn’t conclusive.
High-powered torches and inspection mirrors allow thorough examination of confined spaces, cavities, and areas with limited access.
After the inspection
You receive a detailed written report documenting our findings. The report identifies any active pest infestations, existing damage, conditions conducive to future infestation, and specific recommendations for treatment or risk reduction. For real estate transactions, our reports meet the requirements for pre-purchase pest inspections and can be provided to conveyancers, solicitors, and lenders.
If treatment is required, we provide a fixed-price quote on the spot. If your property is clear, we’ll explain what to monitor and recommend an appropriate inspection schedule going forward.
Integrated pest management for Sutherland homes and businesses
For clients who want ongoing protection rather than reactive treatment, we develop integrated pest management programs tailored to your property and circumstances. These programs combine scheduled inspections, preventative treatments, monitoring, and environmental recommendations to reduce pest risk over time. Commercial clients receive compliance documentation suitable for audit purposes. Residential clients receive peace of mind knowing their property is being actively monitored by professionals who know it well.
