Termite Inspection
Termite inspections are conducted to identify signs of termite activity, evidence of termite damage, and to determine conditions in and around the property that make it susceptible to termite attacks.
In Australia, the likelihood of your house being attacked by termites is nearly 12 times higher than the risk of a house fire. However, termite damage is often not covered by most house insurance policies. Given that Melbourne hosts some of the most destructive termite colonies that can cause significant structural damage to a house within just six months, A Plus House Inspection recommends that every houseowner establish a termite management plan to safeguard their most valuable asset.
A successful termite management plan combines regular termite inspections with the installation of appropriate termite protection systems. However, annual termite inspections serve as the cornerstone of such a plan. Termite inspections are designed to pick up signs of termite activity, evidence of termite damage, and to identify conditions in and around the building that make it vulnerable to termite attacks.
While there are numerous pest control companies in Melbourne that offer termite detection services, not all of them have a good reputation. Therefore, it’s important for houseowners to have a good understanding of what’s involved in termite inspections to ensure that they receive professional and effective termite detection services.
Termite inspections can be divided into 5 key areas:
- Interior of the Building Each room needs to be inspected in rotation. Damp areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room need to be assessed with a humidity meter to detect potential leaks.
- Subfloor Space (if applicable) If access is available to the lower levels of the building, the inspector needs to crawl through all corners of the subfloor area, checking supporting structures, floor timbers, and drainage systems.
- Exterior of the Building Inspectors must pay special attention to areas around the house. They are looking for potential termite entry points, whether the soil levels or other structures hide potential access points. They check for increased moisture levels due to watering systems, leaks, or drainage issues, which might make the area more attractive to termites.
- Surrounding Area of the Building The land surrounding the building needs to be assessed for trees, tree stumps, wooden retaining walls, wooden fences, garden beds, and any external structures. “Termite food” often comes in the form of plants and wooden coverings adjacent to the house.
- Roof Space Inspectors need to enter the roof space and, where possible, crawl from one end of the roof space to the other, inspecting each piece of timber along the way to ensure there are no termite infestations.
Each of these areas is thoroughly examined during a termite inspection to identify any signs of termite activity, damage, or conditions that might attract termites. This comprehensive inspection is crucial for safeguarding the property from potential termite infestations and ensuring the overall structural integrity of the building.
