Common signs
- Mud tubes along foundations or subfloor
- Hollow, soft or warped timber
- Discarded wings near windows and doors
- Moisture staining or tight-fitting doors
Typical areas
- Internal walls, floors & skirtings
- Roof space (where accessible)
- Subfloor (where accessible)
- External timber, gardens & structures
What the technician looks for
An inspection covers accessible areas of the building and grounds. The technician looks for live activity, signs such as mud tubes and damaged timber, and conditions that favour termites — moisture, timber in contact with soil, and concealed access. Internal walls, floors, the roof space and subfloor are checked where they can be accessed.
External areas and the grounds
Outside, the inspection covers external timber, gardens, stumps, retaining walls, trees and any structures close to the home. Termite activity can originate in the garden or nearby timber and reach the building from there, so the surroundings matter as much as the structure itself.
Conditions that raise risk
Moisture, drainage problems, plumbing leaks, timber-to-soil contact, dense landscaping and existing barriers are all considered. These conditions don't confirm termites, but they help gauge the property's risk and what prevention may be worthwhile.
What an inspection can detect
An inspection can detect visible evidence of activity — mud tubes, damaged timber, discarded wings — and the conditions that favour termites. It can identify where management or prevention is warranted and inform a recommendation on the next step.
What an inspection cannot guarantee
No inspection can see through every wall, under every slab, or detect activity in areas that can't be accessed. An inspection is a careful assessment of accessible areas, not a guarantee that no termites exist anywhere in the building. We'll be honest about these limitations.
Practical prevention tips
- Have an annual inspection in termite-prone areas
- Arrange an inspection before buying a home
- Inspect sooner if you notice any signs of activity
- Don't disturb suspected activity — call for an inspection
Questions we're asked
Will an inspection find every termite?
No inspection can guarantee finding all termites, because some areas can't be accessed. We'll explain the limitations clearly and recommend the right next step.
How long does a termite inspection take?
A thorough inspection of a standard home typically takes an hour or more, depending on size, access and construction type.