Gold Coast Termite inspection

Gold Coast Pest Services take our time to carry out a thorough termite inspection. Our experienced inspectors also use all the latest termite detection equipment to make sure nothing is missed. We are also fully licensed and insured, which means you get a comprehensive termite inspection you can trust!

  • All inspections carried out according to Australian Standards 3660.2

  • Inspection inside, outside, roof void, sub-floor, garage and yard

  • Use of moisture meter to detect leaks or areas of moisture behind walls

  • Use of motion detector and thermal imaging cameras to investigate areas of concern

  • Post-inspection discussion of findings, advice on options for termite treatments and protection

  • Comprehensive 20+ page report with photographs and recommendations

  • Optional video short of inspection findings is available (for an additional fee)

  • Combine with a general pest treatment and SAVE!!

 

What our customers say…

 

What's involved in a professional termite inspection?

A proper termite inspection is not the same as a free "termite check" offered by some companies. Our experienced technicians take time to check all accessible areas, using the latest termite detection technology to investigate areas of concern. A complete inspection can sometimes take up to 2 hours or more, depending on the size of the property. If you want the feeling of security that a proper termite inspection can provide, give our friendly team a call.

Check out our video with the Bug Doctor...

Termite Health Assessment: We do offer a free termite health assessment, which is not an inspection for termites but will highlight risk areas around your property, resulting in a written termite management proposal for your property.

 

Termite Detection Equipment

To support our experienced termite inspectors we use the latest termite detection equipment including Termatrac, which can detect termite movement behind walls.

Termatrac Termite detector

Termatrac termite detector

Termatrac detecting termite movement behind a wall

Termatrac picking up termite movement behind a wall

 

What's included in a termite inspection report?

Firstly, the report should confirm that the inspection has been carried out according to Australian Standard 3660.2. Secondly, there are some key elements to all termite inspection reports (these sections should be completed fully by all quality termite professionals).

  • The report will contain a description of the property and define what areas have been inspected and list the areas not inspected (and reason, such as lack of access).

  • It will list observed termite activity and record any visual termite damage.

  • Importantly, it will list conditions around the property that may be conducive to allowing a termite attack, such as high levels of moisture, leaks, construction faults, high soil levels, wood sources, poor ventilation and stored goods (see our termite prevention tips.)

  • It will specify if any further inspections are required.

This last point is important, as the standard termite inspection is a visual inspection, it does not include moving furniture or removing parts of walls to investigate areas of concern. Although technology may be used to "see" what is going on behind the walls, the inspection does not include drilling walls to better see the level of activity and damage. This is called an invasive inspection and may be recommended. Other recommendations may also be made to improve access, especially if areas of the roof or sub-floor cannot be access, thus preventing a thorough inspection.

 

A termite inspection is part of a termite treatment process

Although most customers have annual termite inspections as part of their property termite management plan, these inspections are also the critical first step in assessing a property under attack from termites. In fact, termite professionals should not start a termite treatment unless a complete inspection has been carried out. Often quotes for termite treatments will have been made without an inspection being carried out, mainly resulting from the desire of many homeowners to get a free quote. The pest professional has to make certain assumptions in providing this quote. However, an inspection does need to be carried out before any treatment takes place and should the pest professional make some unusual discovery, the termite treatment recommendation may need to be changed.

Why is a full inspection required before a termite treatment?

There is key information the pest professional needs to confirm, which is provided by a detailed inspection:

  • What species of termite is attacking the building? (Is there more than one species?)

  • Where / how are the termites entering the building? (Need to find all termite entry points)

  • Are there any termite conducive conditions that need to be fixed before treatment begins?

  • Are there any construction flaws that need to be remedied?

  • What is the extent of the termite damage?

What are the Signs of Termites?

If you can see and identify termites correctly, you have a clear confirmation that you have a termite problem. However, more often than not, for the untrained eye, termites are not that easy to detect until significant damage is done – the main reason for having professional termite inspections. However, it is still worth knowing the signs of termite activity so you can give your pest professional a call if you suspect something suspicious.

Rippled paint on wood - a sign of termites

Rippled paint could mean termites!

Termite mud tubes on tree trunk

Termite mudding on tree

Winged termites

  • Major termite damage is often only picked up when a ceiling starts to bow or roof, floor or wall starts to collapse. But there are subtle signs of termite damage that can be picked up, if you look carefully. Dents or ripples in wood or paintwork can be an indication that termites are feeding underneath, already causing damage.

  • Presence of mudding / mud tubes on trees, fencing, exterior of building, sub-floor or roof void. These are the highways built by termites from the soil to their feeding sites. The mud protects the termites from predators and keeps the tunnels nice a moist to prevent them drying out. Sometimes small spots of mud may be detected in wood (door frames and skirting boards) or the plasterboard of walls – these appear when their feeding gets too close to the surface and they use the mud to cover up the holes.

  • The appearance of winged termites is a sure sign there is a large nest nearby. These are the new kings and queens that are released from nests in huge numbers on warm, humid nights. Learn more about termites...

  • If you do suspect any of the signs above, don’t disturb the termites by picking mud tubes and certainly don’t spray them with any household insecticide.  Both actions will make them far more difficult to control.  If you suspect anything suspicious call us immediately for a complete termite inspection.

If you do suspect any of the signs above, don’t disturb the termites by picking mud tubes and certainly don’t spray them with any household insecticide.  Both actions will make them far more difficult to control.  If you suspect anything suspicious call us immediately for a complete inspection.

Tips for making your home less attractive to termites

Homeowners have a big role to play in reducing the chances of a termite attack on their property. Efforts should be focused on three areas:

  • Reducing areas of increased moisture around the home (termites love moisture!)

  • Reducing termite food (wood and paper) around the home

  • Making sure the perimeter, sub-floor and roof void of the home are clear of obstacles so any termite "break-ins" can be seen.

Watering systems attract termites

Watering systems attract termites

Firewood next to buildings can attract termites

TErmites love firewood!

Stored goods make termites hard to spot

Stored goods make termites hard to spot

Here are some simple tips to make your home less attractive to termites...

    • Ensure ground water drainage flows away from / around your home.

    • Ground level should slope away from house and / or soil drainage. systems should be installed. If you have a moist sub-floor, installing fans may also be beneficial.

    • Don’t have a watering system or regularly water plants adjacent to the house.

    • This really means you need to avoid having substantial garden beds adjacent to the house.

    • Ensure roof guttering and downpipes do not leak and discharge to the stormwater drains.

    • Make sure any external taps are not dripping and ideally have a drain underneath.

    • Check for leaks in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry (you may need a plumber or pest inspector to help here).

    • Do not use wood immediately adjacent to the house.

    • If you musy use wood mulch, make sure it has been treated with an appropriate insecticide or it is classed as termite-resistant timber. Keep in mind, "termite-resistant" does not mean "termite-proof".

    • Make sure any waste timber or cardboard boxes (also great termite food) are thrown out or stored above ground level, ideally away from the building.

    • Make sure any firewood is stored off the ground away from the building.

    • Keep the perimeter of your home clear of plants and stored items; if you can’t see the edge of the building you won’t be able to see any termite “break-ins”!

    • If you have a sub-floor, avoid the temptation to store your excess / unwanted items in this inviting area. Stored goods prevent your ability to see any termite activity and also reduce ventilation. If the stored goods include wood or cardboard boxes, you are also providing some nice termite food!

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