Many people ask what are termite inspections; how are termite inspections done? Further down in this article, I will also answer frequently asked questions such as do you need termite inspections? And why you need a professional inspection for termites.
One of the main questions we get is, do you really need termite inspections? And the answer to this question is a huge YES! Even the CSIRO in Canberra recommends that all property owners have a termite inspection annually at a bare minimum.
Did you know that termites cause more property damage than fires and floods? And unlike these natural disasters, termite damage is NOT covered by insurance.
If you see visible signs of termite damage like warping of wall, floors, windows, frames, ceiling or sawdust on the skirting boards etc., you are already too late, as this means that there has been termite activity and damage done already.
Having regular termite inspections will pick up issues early, saving you many thousands of dollars in termite repair bills.
When it comes to who does termite inspections, Canberra? Nothing compares to the experience of A1 Pest Control Canberra, where the team comprises termite technicians who have 30 and 15 years of termite expertise.
This alone should make the property owner relax as our team misses nothing regarding termite inspection and the early detection signs of termites.
What is termite inspections?
Let us now look at what is involved with a termite inspection and know that there are basically 2 types of inspections. One is a visual termite inspection where the technician will use a golf ball on a stick, moisture meter, torch and, of course, using his eyes and ears to detect any abnormalities.
Just as the name implies, the inspection will start when the technician enters the street, checks out the trees on the nature strip and the property, and then moves to the roof void where the support beams and plate are checked for termites.
The termite inspections continue from room to room, making the knocking sound on walls, floors, door, and window frame with the golf ball listening for hollow sounds that would indicate termites.
Moving through the inside now, going outside, checking if the wood is in direct contact with the earth and looking for high-risk areas that possibly attract termites.
The 2nd type of inspections is using a thermal imaging camera. This is a high-tech way of using a tool that can see things the human eye can’t and give accurate feedback. There is not enough crawl space for the technician to crawl, it does not matter as the camera can just be pointed, and results are returned to the operator.
This camera is so sophisticated it will also pick up housing faults such as leaking behind the walls in the bathroom or electrical faults. It’s a great boom for those inspecting a new home for termites before you buy someone else’s problem.
Did you know in Canberra that all new homes, renovations and extensions require termite protection concrete slab? Today, there are those today who do not know about this until it gets time to get the property approved, and that is where they run into trouble.
Areas that termite technicians check:
• All timbers throughout the inside and outside of the property
• Fences, gardens, trees and stumps
• Any other timber structures within the property (up to 50 meters from the main building)
• The presence and effectiveness of visible and accessible termite barriers (If there is a termite barrier on the property, the sticker should be inside the meter box.)
• The vulnerability of the property to termite infestation (subfloor ventilation and drainage, obvious damp areas, etc.)
The process of the termite inspections
Termites are attracted to areas that are constantly moist. So, when termite technicians inspect your property, they will look for structural and moisture issues like standing water in the roof, pooling water around the foundation, wood mulch near the foundation or wooden deck supports touching the ground. They will look for wood damage, mud tubes, buckling of the wall, common signs of termite infestation.
When the inspection is completed, the termite technicians will hand you a report with all the findings and recommendations for the property. If they found infestations, termite treatment will be recommended. An action plan will be discussed in detail with the owner regarding the best treatment to use.
Part of the report is the technician’s recommendations on problem areas that could attract termites to your property. The termite technicians can give preventive measures to keep termites away from your property, like putting up physical or chemical barriers.
Now that you are aware of what is involved in a termite inspection, let’s now discuss how we can prevent attracting termites around the property by following these simple steps:
• Get rid of any woodpiles. Termites love wood, so keeping wood lying around or under the floor of your property is like giving an invitation for termites.
• Constantly check any possible source of moisture. Repair any leaking taps. Check any damp areas in your kitchen and bathroom. Clear your gutter from any clogs. Ensure any outlet hoses from air conditioning units point away from the property.
• Keep your surroundings clean. Remove any dead trees and grind stumps on your property. Prevent contact of wood to the soil in your home (e.g. pergolas). Replace any untreated wooden garden edges with treated wood.
If you are looking for the best termite control company in Canberra, look no further.
A1 Pest Control Canberra offers both visual inspection and thermal imaging, which uses state-of-the-art technology for termite detection.
I hope I have answered all your questions on termite inspections and how are termite inspections done. Book your termite inspections TODAY.
Also visit:
- What Is A General Pest Control Treatment And The Ideal Pest Breeding Season?
- Found Signs Of Termite At Home? It Is Time To Call Experts!
