Why Termite Inspections Matter

Termites cause an estimated $780 million in property damage in Australia every year — more than fires, floods, and storms combined. On the Gold Coast, where the subtropical climate supports year-round termite activity, annual inspections are one of the most important things a homeowner can do to protect their investment.

Before the Inspection: What to Prepare

To allow a thorough inspection, there are a few things to have ready when your technician arrives:

• Clear access to your subfloor inspection hatch (if your home has one)
• Access to your roof hatch or manhole
• Move items stored against exterior walls where possible
• Note any areas of concern you've observed — tapping sounds, tight doors, cracked paint
• Let us know about any previous termite treatments or known activity

What Our Technicians Inspect

Exterior Perimeter

The inspection begins outside. We walk the full perimeter of your home checking for mud tubes on external walls and foundations, termite damage in timber fencing, garden edging, and landscaping, soil conditions and moisture levels around the building, condition of any existing chemical termite barriers, timber-to-soil contact points, and conducive conditions such as poor drainage and excessive mulch against the building.

Subfloor (Where Applicable)

For homes with a crawl space or subfloor, we physically enter the space to inspect all accessible structural timbers including floor joists and bearers, existing termite barrier condition, moisture levels (a key driver of termite activity), ventilation adequacy, and any evidence of previous or active termite activity.

Interior

Inside the home, we systematically inspect all rooms, paying particular attention to skirting boards and architraves, internal walls (sound probing to detect hollow sections), built-in cabinetry and flooring, wet areas including bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens, areas around plumbing penetrations, and any timber structural elements visible in the living areas.

Roof Void

Accessing the roof space is a critical part of every inspection. We inspect the roof void for mud tubes on rafters and tie beams, termite damage to roof timber framing, evidence of moisture or leaks that increase termite risk, ventilation adequacy, and the presence of vermin or other pests.

Attached Structures

We also inspect garages, patios, pergolas, decking, garden sheds, and any other timber structures on the property — all potential entry points or harboring areas for termites.

The Tools We Use

Thermal Imaging Camera

Thermal imaging detects temperature anomalies in walls and floors that can indicate termite activity or moisture — both invisible to the naked eye. Termite galleries and moisture intrusion show as distinct patterns in thermal images that experienced technicians can interpret accurately.

Moisture Meter

Termites require moisture to survive. We use a moisture meter to test wall and floor surfaces for elevated moisture levels that indicate either active termite workings or conditions conducive to infestation.

Sounding Tool

Tapping or sounding timber surfaces allows us to detect hollow sections caused by termite damage — even when there are no visible external signs of activity. An experienced technician can identify compromised timber quickly and accurately using this technique.

Borescope (Where Needed)

For suspected activity in concealed areas, a small camera can be inserted through a tiny opening to visually confirm termite presence without causing significant disturbance to the structure.

What the Report Covers

After the inspection, you receive a detailed written report including findings from all inspected areas with photos, identification of any termite activity, species identification where possible, risk rating for the property, condition of any existing termite barrier, a list of conducive conditions observed, and treatment and prevention recommendations with associated costs where relevant.

The report is prepared to Australian Standard AS 4349.3 and is suitable for use in property transactions, insurance purposes, and building compliance requirements.

What Happens If Termites Are Found

If active termite activity is discovered, we'll discuss treatment options with you on the day. We never disturb or break into termite workings during the inspection — this can cause the colony to vacate the area, making treatment more difficult. Instead, we document the location and extent of activity and recommend appropriate treatment.

Treatment options depend on the termite species, extent of activity, and your property's construction type. We'll provide a clear, itemised quote and explain the pros and cons of each approach.

How Long Does an Inspection Take?

Most residential inspections take between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the property. Larger homes, split-level properties, and those with extensive outdoor structures may take longer. We take the time needed to inspect every accessible area thoroughly — a rushed inspection risks missing critical evidence.

How Often Should You Have an Inspection?

On the Gold Coast, we recommend annual inspections as a minimum for all properties. Properties with elevated risk factors — proximity to bushland, previous termite history, significant timber construction, or high moisture environments — should be inspected every 6 months. The cost of an annual inspection is negligible compared to the tens of thousands a missed termite infestation can cost in structural repairs.

If you haven't had a termite inspection in the last 12 months, now is the time to book one. Our Gold Coast technicians service all suburbs from Coomera to Coolangatta.