Ultimate Guide to Termite Inspections

Termites are called ‘silent destroyers’ for a reason. They operate quietly, chewing through wood and even wallpaper, and without showing any visible signs for a long time. Until then, the damage becomes extensive and expensive to repair. That is why homeowners must carry out a termite inspection and protect their properties. However, many simply avoid it by worrying about its complexity.

But here’s the truth: Running a termite inspection is not that hard. You can choose DIY or professional inspection as per your comfort.

But first things first—

Why Are Termite Inspections Important?

Australia’s climate is a termite paradise. These pests flourish on our warm and humid land, causing extensive damage to properties. The damage can be so extensive that homeowners often wish to claim insurance for it. But unfortunately, termite infestation is excluded from homeowner insurance, deeming it as preventable. Thus, the only remedy we have is regular termite inspections.

Regular inspections, DIY or professional, offer early detection. This proactive approach minimises damage and costs. Choose your method, but act swiftly. Your home’s integrity depends on it.

Signs You Might Have Termites

Here are some warning signs of termites. Be wary of these signs and ensure prompt action early on.

Mud Tubes: Creating mud tubes along walls, foundations, or beams, termites travel to their food source.
Hollow wooden surfaces: Tap on your wooden surfaces and if they sound hollow, you can consider it a strong sign of termite activity.
Termite Droppings: Drywood termites leave tiny, pellet-like droppings near their nesting areas.
Swarmers: Winged termites in or around your property indicate a much more serious problem—a mature colony.
Discarded Wings: After swarmers find a mater and establish a colony, they shed their wings.

Types of Termites and Their Behaviour

Termites are often mistaken for a single species. In reality, there are over 2,700 species. They are mainly grouped into three types based on their behaviour and habitats.

Subterranean Termites: Most destructive of all, these termites live underground in moist soil and build mud tubes to access food sources. They often attack wooden structures from the ground up.
Drywood Termites: These species are primarily found in coastal areas with warmer climates, and they infest dry wood without requiring contact with soil. They also often live within the wood they consume.
Dampwood Termites: Unless there is significant moisture, these termites are unlikely to infest a home. They prefer moist or decaying wood and are commonly found in areas with high humidity.

Besides these three, many other lesser-known termites like Formosan and Conehead can also wreak havoc. Hence it’s absolutely crucial to seek a professional pest controller to resolve the issue.

How to Run a Termite Inspection

A termite inspection is a thorough process, containing several steps.

Step 1: Exterior Examination

The inspector typically starts from outside, examining the area for mud tubes. They check walls, fences, and other areas with soil-to-wood contact. If they find any, it confirms to a great degree that your home has a termite issue. The next steps will only evaluate the extent of the damage.

Step 2: Interior Inspection

The professional will now carry out a thorough inspection based on the signs we discussed above. You have a termite infestation if they find:

Hollow sounds from wooden surfaces.
Signs of damage in baseboards, window frames, and flooring.
Swarmers or wings near light sources.

Many providers also use modern tools like moisture metres and thermal imaging cameras to detect an infestation. Such technology will give you an accurate and efficient estimate of the situation, saving time and effort.

Step 3: Final Report

After a thorough inspection, you will receive a detailed report from your professional. It highlights the areas of concern, types of termites detected, and recommended courses of treatment. If you’re happy with the conclusions, the provider will go ahead and initiate the pest management process.

DIY vs. Professional Termite Inspection

Both DIY and professional termite inspections have their significance. It is just about knowing when to do what. A DIY examination is a helpful preventative tool, while a professional check is a more solution-oriented approach. In other words, you can carry out your own DIY inspection at regular intervals to ensure there are no signs of termites. However, when you find a sign, you must immediately call for a Maitland pest control expert and conduct a more comprehensive check.

It’s also beneficial to schedule regular professional inspections if termite infestation is a frequent occurrence in your area. Do not give in to the temptation of finding a cheaper alternative.

Final Word:

A termite inspection is a small investment compared to the damage you would have to bear otherwise. Regular inspections, combined with preventive measures, ensure your property remains termite-free.

If you are ready for your termite inspection, call our expert team at Oz Pest.