If you’re buying a property, you’ve probably heard of a pest inspection. They’re an essential part of any pre-purchase building inspection. Pest inspections identify current termite activity and conducive conditions that are favourable to future termite attacks. A timber pest inspection, inspects for termites, borers and fungal decay. Identifying timber pests prior to purchasing, can save you thousands of dollars.
In this article, we aim to answer all your questions, including what timber pest inspectors look for, how a timber pest inspection is conducted, and what the pest inspection report will include. We will also provide expert advice on what to do if pests are found on your property.
Why is a pest inspection important?
Australia has over 300 species of termites and countless other pests, causing billions of dollars in damage each year, and can even trigger health issues for you and your family. Below are some of the more common issues caused by termites and timber pets in Australia:
- Damage to property: Pests can damage timber structures, electrical wiring, and even personal belongings. Some pests, such as termites, can cause structural damage to a home, which can be very expensive to repair.
- Reduced property value and sale price: A property with a pest infestation or structural issues is likely to be worth less than a pest-free property. This is because buyers are aware of the potential risks and costly repairs associated with buying a property with pests, and they may be less willing to pay a high price.
Also read: Why Pest & Termite Inspections Are Important
Pest inspections are typically performed by a qualified professional who is trained to identify a wide range of timber pests, primarily termites, borers and fungal decay (which is often a sign of termite infestation).
The inspector will inspect both the interior and exterior of the property, paying close attention to areas where termites are most likely to be found, such as the roof void, sub floor, inside wardrobes and cupboards and around wet areas.
A timber pest inspection typically involves the following steps:
- Visual inspection: The inspector will conduct a visual inspection of the property, including the interior, exterior, roof, roof void and subfloor where accessible. They will look for signs and presence of timber pests, such as, mudding, damage, flight holes of borers, decay.
- Moisture detection: The pest inspector will use moisture detection equipment to identify any areas of moisture in the property. Moisture can attract termites and provide them with a suitable environment to breed.
- Termite inspection: The inspector will check for signs of termite activity, looking for mudding, tapping on timber structures to listen for hollow sounds, shining a high-powered torch at angles on wall surfaces looking for lines within plasterboard, which can be a sign of termite damage.
What do termite inspectors look for?
Pest inspectors will assess the property for conditions that may attract termites. These problems include moisture, construction methods, poor subfloor ventilation. They also look for conditions that may attract termites, such as:
- Food sources: Typical sources of food for termites include mulch beds, tree stumps, wood piles, wooden fences, decks or porches.
- Moisture: Termites like warm, damp conditions, so the inspector will check any areas that supply moisture both inside and outside the property.
- Points of entry: The pest inspector is trained to find typical points of entry for termites and timber pests, and will check for areas where soil comes in contact with timber close to the property, mud tunnels on external foundation walls, any wood members in the subfloor (if applicable) and various other conditions that could be conducive to termite activity.
In addition to looking for physical evidence of unwanted timber pests, the inspector will also assess the property for conditions that may attract termites, such as moisture problems, construction methods and overgrown vegetation. The inspector will then provide you with a detailed report of their findings, including any recommendations for treatment or prevention.
Also read: What’s Included in a Building and Pest Inspection?
What does a timber pest report include?
Uncover Building and Pest conduct pest inspections during pre-purchase property inspections to help you make an informed decision on the property you are interested in buying. A comprehensive report will typically include the following information in relation to pests:
- The location of any pests or signs of pest activity or termite infestation
- Potential conditions that could encourage timber pests
- Recommendations for treatment
View a sample report here.
Book Now
If you are buying or selling a property and want to make an informed decision, contact Uncover Building and Pest today to schedule a building and pest inspection. We offer comprehensive inspections conducted by qualified and experienced professionals that can save you thousands of dollars.
Call 0414 271 275 or book your building inspection online.
