Termite Inspections
termite inspections
- Here at Frontline Pest Management we are fully licensed and qualified to carry out full termite inspections of any home or business.
- Termite inspections are carried out in accordance with Australian Standard AS3660 Termite Management – In and around Existing Buildings and Structures.
- In most cases this is a visual (non-invasive) inspection.
- We use the Termatrac T3i radar technology and moisture meter in those areas where we suspect termite activity.
- We take our time to carry out a thorough examination of your property – inspection is carried out to all accessible areas – internal building spaces, roof void, immediate external of buildings, subfloor space, sheds and yard, including gardens.
- Focus is on known common termite entry points and habits as well as the conditions that promote termite attack.
- Once the inspection has been completed, we discuss our findings with you and provide a fully comprehensive, computer generated report with pictures. We also offer recommendations of what you can do to reduce the risk of termite attack to your home.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
- Donger – this is used to sound timbers on the inside of your home checking window sills, door frames, skirting boards and any other exposed timbers – a hollow sound may indicate the presence of termite damage.
- Moisture Meter – this is used to check moisture levels in your walls and skirtings as high moisture readings can be a possible indicator of termites.
- Termatrac device – this uses microwaves to detect movement; it will only be used in areas of suspected activity.
- Thermal imaging camera – this camera will detect heat emission signatures – it will be used in those areas where we suspect termite presence during our preliminary inspection.
Every year, Queensland homeowners experience thousands of dollars worth of termite damage due to subterranean termites. Even if your home has been treated or you haven’t seen any termites, your home is still prone to termite attack. These termites live underground in soil tunnels and enter structures via concealed entry, through cracks and openings in and around foundations. These entry points are normally concealed by poor design or building practices, gardens, stored items or they can be unnoticed during professional inspection.
Inspections will not prevent a termite attack, but in most cases, regular inspections every 6-12 months will assist in finding any new termite activity quickly and corrective measures can then be taken before termites have time to cause extensive damage to timber structures within your house or building.
There are approximately 10 species of subterranean termite in Queensland (the wood-eaters) which are considered to be serious pests. These economically significant species of subterranean termites travel through soil as they constantly forage for and evaluate the size and quality of potential food sources. They seek out cellulose, the primary component of wood. Unfortunately, termites also find timber used in houses very attractive and cause significant damage as a result. They build covered tunnels or galleries from their nest and eat wooden structures from the inside. The results of the termites huge appetite for wood can be very dangerous but will often go unnoticed due to the workers tendency to shun light and dry air – so roof timbers and doors may seen intact when in reality they are a thin shell with nothing but dust and termites inside. Then, suddenly, they can collapse.
TERMITE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Termite inspections are one of the first steps of termite management. In Brisbane, inspections should be carried out every 6-12 months to help ensure your property remains free from infestation.
Following a termite inspection on a property, a diagnosis can be provided in the form of advice, recommendations and management plans. Your individual termite management strategy will depend on the size and location of your property, construction methods, termite entry points, surrounding landscape, vegetation and the level of termite risk in your area.
How to tell the difference between termites and ants
Termites are also commonly referred to as white ants. They are however not even closely related to ants but are in fact a type of specialized cockroach.
Features of a termite
- Small – approx 3mm to 10mm long
- Pale or transparent with thin skins.
- Broad waist
- Straight antennae
- Wings are the same size
- Are usually blind
