Termites, although small, can cause significant damage to homes and buildings if left unchecked. They are notorious for their ability to silently chew through wood and other cellulose materials, often going unnoticed until the damage becomes severe.

Termite inspections are a crucial part of proactive pest control, aimed at identifying termite infestations early and preventing potential damage. Today, we will explore what termite inspections entail, their importance, and how to prepare for them.

What is a Termite Inspection?

A termite inspection is a thorough examination of a property to identify any signs of termite activity. Certified pest control professionals, known as exterminators or pest inspectors, conduct these inspections. Their primary goal is to determine whether termites are present, and if so, to what extent.

Termite inspections are commonly performed during the home buying process, as lenders and buyers want to ensure the property is free from termite damage or infestations.

What does a termite inspection involve?

A termite inspection involves a systematic examination of both the interior and exterior of a property. The pest control inspector will look for visible signs of termite activity, such as mud tubes, discarded wings, or swarmers (winged reproductive termites).

They will inspect all accessible areas, including basements, crawl spaces, attics, and the foundation. Using specialised tools, they may tap on wood surfaces to listen for hollow sounds, which could indicate termite damage.

What are the Signs of Termite Infestation

Termite infestations can cause significant damage to homes and structures, often without immediate detection. Here are some common signs of termite infestation to look out for:

1. Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites construct mud tubes along surfaces like walls, foundations, and wooden structures to protect themselves while travelling. These tubes are typically about the width of a pencil and are a clear indication of termite activity.
2. Discarded Wings: When termites swarm, they shed their wings after finding a suitable nesting site. Finding discarded termite wings near windows, doors, or light sources can be a sign of a nearby termite colony.
3. Wood Damage: Termites feed on wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer on the surface. If you tap or press on infested wood, it may sound hollow or give way easily.
4. Frass or Termite Droppings: Drywood termites push their excrement out of tiny kick-out holes near the entrances to their tunnels. These fecal pellets, called frass, resemble tiny, elongated grains and are often found near infested areas.
5. Blistered or Uneven Paint: Subterranean termites can cause the paint on wooden surfaces to bubble or become distorted due to moisture build-up as they consume the wood beneath.
6. Tight-Fitting Doors and Hard-to-Open Windows: Swollen and distorted door frames or windows can indicate termite infestation, as termites produce moisture while feeding on wood, leading to changes in the shape of the affected wooden structures.
7. Hollow-Sounding Timber: If you suspect termite infestation, tapping or knocking on wood may produce a hollow sound due to the damage done by termites.
8. Sagging Floors or Ceilings: In severe infestations, the structural integrity of the wood can be compromised, leading to sagging or bulging floors and ceilings.
9. Visible Termites: In some cases, you might actually see live termites crawling around, especially during a swarm when winged termites are searching for new nesting sites.
10. Termite Nests or Mud Mounds: Some termite species build visible nests or mud mounds on the exterior of buildings, especially in the case of subterranean termites.

Duration for Termite Inspections

The duration of a termite inspection can vary depending on the size of the property and the level of infestation suspected. On average, a thorough inspection may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.

What does a termite inspection cost?

The cost of a termite inspection varies based on factors such as the location of the property and the size of the building. In Australia NSW, the cost typically ranges from $75 to $150. However, some pest control companies offer free inspections, especially if you are considering their services for termite treatment or prevention.

What do termites look like?

Termites are often mistaken for ants due to their similar size and social behaviour. However, there are key differences to distinguish them. Termites have straight antennae, a broad waist, and equal-sized wings. They are usually pale or light-coloured. In contrast, ants have elbowed antennae, a narrow waist, and front wings that are longer than their hind wings. Being able to identify termites accurately can help homeowners detect early signs of infestation.

Could there be hidden termite damage?

Yes, hidden termite damage is a common concern during inspections. Termites are experts at concealing their activity, and they tend to operate from within the wood they are infesting. This makes it challenging to spot signs of infestation until the damage becomes extensive. Regular inspections, however, increase the likelihood of identifying hidden termite activity before it escalates.

Are annual termite inspections necessary?

Annual termite inspections are highly recommended to ensure early detection of termites and potential damage. Prevention is always better than dealing with costly repairs after a termite infestation has taken hold. If a property has a history of termite problems or is located in an area prone to termite activity, annual inspections become even more crucial.

How to prepare for a termite inspection:

Preparing for a termite inspection can help ensure a smooth and efficient process. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Clear clutter: Remove any obstacles, such as stored items, from areas the inspector needs to access.
2. Trim vegetation: Trim back bushes, trees, and shrubs around the exterior of the property to allow easy inspection.
3. Repair leaks: Fix any leaks or sources of water accumulation as termites are attracted to moisture.
4. Provide access: Ensure all areas of the property are accessible, including attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
5. Note problem areas: Make a list of areas where you suspect termite activity or have noticed potential signs.

How To Conduct a Self-Termite Inspection:

Inspecting for termites by yourself can help you identify potential infestations early on and prevent significant damage to your property. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do a termite inspection:

1. Gather the Necessary Tools:

   • Flashlight: To inspect dark and hard-to-reach areas.
   • Screwdriver or pocket knife: To probe wood for termite damage.
   • Protective clothing: Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a mask to avoid direct contact with potential infestations and protect yourself from dust and allergens.

2. Start with the Exterior:

   • Walk around the perimeter of your property and look for mud tubes, which are pencil-thin tunnels made of soil and wood particles that termites use for travel.
   • Examine the foundation walls, especially near ground level, for signs of termite damage, such as sagging or damaged wood.

3. Inspect the Interior:

   • Check all rooms for termite swarms or discarded wings near windowsills and light fixtures. Termite swarmers are reproductive termites that indicate an active infestation.
   • Tap wooden surfaces, such as baseboards, door frames, and window sills, with the handle of the screwdriver or a mallet. Hollow, damaged wood may indicate termite activity.
4. Examine Wooden Structures: Inspect wooden structures like decks, fences, and wooden furniture for signs of termite damage or mud tubes.
5. Check Crawl Spaces and Attics: Use the flashlight to inspect dark and hidden areas, paying attention to wooden beams, supports, and insulation for any signs of termite presence.
6. Look for Moisture Issues: Termites are attracted to moisture. Check for leaky pipes, clogged gutters, and any areas with excessive moisture near the foundation.
7. Identify Termite Droppings (Frass): Termite droppings resemble small wood-coloured pellets. Look for them near termite-infested areas.
8. Probe Wood for Holes: Use the screwdriver or pocket knife to gently probe suspected areas of termite damage. If the wood is hollowed out, it may be a sign of termite activity.
9. Keep Records: Take photos and notes during your inspection. This will help you track changes over time and provide useful information if you need to consult with a professional pest control expert.

How Bugfree Pest control can help you with Termite Inspection:

Bugfree Pest Control is a reputable pest management company specialising in termite control, inspections and treatments. They have a team of experienced and certified pest control professionals who understand the behaviour of termites and are equipped with the latest inspection tools and technology.

When you schedule a termite inspection with Bugfree Pest Control, you can expect a comprehensive examination of your property, including the hard-to-reach areas where termites may be hiding.

Their trained experts will thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of your property, checking for signs of termite activity and potential vulnerabilities. If termites are found, they will create a customised treatment plan tailored to your property’s needs, using safe and effective methods to eliminate the infestation.

If you find termites, DO NOT disturb them and call 1300 855 548 immediately to speak to an expert for more information OR Get A Free Quote Now!