Why Brisbane homes need regular termite inspections
Termites (most locals still call them white ants) feed on cellulose, the stuff timber is made of. They don't care whether that timber is a fallen gum branch or the wall frame in your hallway. South East Queensland suits them well: warm, humid summers, plenty of moisture after storms and a lot of timber-framed housing.
They work out of sight, inside mud tubes and hollowed timber, so the paint on the surface often looks fine until someone pushes a screwdriver through it. Termite damage is also a common exclusion on home insurance policies, so check yours rather than assume you're covered.
Regular inspections are how you catch activity while it's small. If you'd like to know what to look for between visits, I've written up the early signs of termites in your home.
What I check on every inspection
I work through the whole property in the same order every time, so nothing gets skipped. That includes:
- the subfloor, stumps and bearers, where there's access
- the roof void, including timbers near the eaves and around plumbing
- inside rooms: skirting boards, door frames, window frames, built-in cupboards and wet areas
- the outside walls, slab edge and weep holes
- garages, sheds, decks, pergolas, retaining walls and fences
- trees, stumps, garden beds and old timber lying in the yard
I'm also looking for what attracts termites. Leaking taps and hot water overflows, garden beds or soil built up over the slab edge, covered weep holes, timber touching the ground and poor subfloor ventilation all raise the risk. These are often simple fixes for you, and I'd rather point them out than find termites next year.
- QBCC licence 15076438
- Termatrac iTracker
- 12-month internal warranty
- 12 years licensed
Finding termites behind walls with Termatrac
A visual inspection can only see the surface. That's where the Termatrac radar unit earns its place. I hold it against a wall, ceiling or timber, and it detects movement on the other side, so if termites are active in the cavity it shows up on the screen.
It doesn't involve drilling, tapping holes or pulling off linings. Just as useful, it doesn't disturb the termites. If they're left undisturbed, they keep using the same workings, and that makes treatment far more effective.
Your inspection report
Before I leave, I walk you through what I found. If there's live activity, I'll show you where it is. If there's old damage, I'll explain whether it looks active or historic. Then I go over the conducive conditions and which ones to fix first.
You'll also get a written report, emailed as a PDF with photos. What goes in it depends on the property, since every site is different, but it covers what I found and what I recommend next.
If I do find active termites, I'll talk you through termite treatment options and give you a fixed quote. There's no pressure to decide on the day.
How often to book an inspection
Australian Standard AS 3660 recommends a termite inspection at least every 12 months, and more often in high-risk areas. A lot of properties around Logan, Ipswich and the Redlands sit near bushland, creeks or old stumps, which counts as higher risk. An annual termite inspection is the minimum I'd suggest for most homes, and some places are worth checking every six months.
I go into the reasons in more detail in how often you should get a termite inspection.
What affects the cost of a termite inspection
I don't publish prices, because two houses on the same street can take very different amounts of time. The size of the home, whether it's highset or on a slab, how easy the roof void and subfloor are to get into, and how many sheds, decks and outbuildings there are all change the job. Once I know those details I'll give you a fixed price before I start. My guide to pest control costs explains each factor.
Buying a home? Read this first
People often search for a pre purchase termite inspection, a pre purchase pest inspection in Brisbane or a building and pest inspection in Logan. To be clear, I don't produce pre-purchase timber pest reports, and a standard termite inspection is not a timber pest inspection report under the pre-purchase standard. If your contract, conveyancer or lender needs a formal pre-purchase report, you'll need an inspector who offers that service.
What I can do is a standard termite inspection on the property, with the owner's permission and access. Some buyers book one for extra information, or straight after settlement so they know where they stand from day one.
Areas I inspect
I'm based in Hillcrest, so most of my termite inspection work is across Logan, Brisbane's southside, the Redlands and Ipswich. That includes Park Ridge, Jimboomba, Yarrabilba, Flagstone, Beenleigh and Redland Bay, plus the suburbs in between. If you've been searching for a termite inspection near me, check the full list on my service areas page or call me on 0412 205 586.
Google reviews
See what Logan and Brisbane customers say about Jon.
Lily Petersen
4 years ago
Jon was professional and prompt with his service and very easy to deal with .He is very honest and very efficient .Nothing is too big a problem and he also is very obliging. I would have no hesitation in recommending Jon and his business and will continue to use him and his services when required.
Rebekah Kelly
4 years ago
We recently had Jon out to do a termite inspection and pest control. The cost was slightly more than we have paid for others but after having him out we think it was well worth it. We were impressed with his services and booked him to do a termite protection barrier. He was on time for both services and we found him to be both friendly and professional. We had a small problem with a pipe after the termite protection but Jon was out within half an hour and sorted the whole issue out for us. Would highly recommend using Deadset and we will be using them again.
Dylan Smith
4 years ago
Jon was fantastic and responded so promptly to my enquiry I couldn't be happier! He was professional, thorough and really informative. I'll be using Deadset for all our needs in future, and it supports a LOCALLY-OWNED, Australian business. Seriously, a great experience and very re-assuring as we found termite nests next to our Queenslander. Jon dealt with the issue swiftly and thoroughly for a great price - thank you!
Frequently asked questions
How long does a termite inspection take?
It depends on the size of the home and how much access there is to the roof void and subfloor. A small slab home is quicker than a large highset house with sheds and a deck. I'll give you a rough idea when you book.
Do I need to be home for the inspection?
It helps if you are, because I need access inside and I like to walk you through what I found. If you can't be there, we can usually arrange access and I'll talk you through the results by phone.
What's the difference between a white ant inspection and a termite inspection?
There isn't one. "White ants" is the old Australian name for termites, and they aren't actually ants at all. A white ant inspection and a termite inspection are the same job.
Do you do termite inspections in Ipswich and the Redlands?
Yes, along with Logan and Brisbane's southside. A pest inspection for cockroaches or rodents is a separate job, so mention any other pests when you book.
Should I spray termites if I find them?
Please don't. Spraying or breaking open the workings usually makes termites move elsewhere in the house, which makes them harder to find and treat. Leave them alone and call me.
Can you do a pre-purchase termite inspection?
I don't do pre-purchase timber pest reports. Buyers can book a standard termite inspection with the seller's permission, but it isn't a formal pre-purchase report. If you need one for your contract, use an inspector who offers them.
How often should I book an annual termite inspection?
At least every 12 months, as AS 3660 recommends. If your home is near bushland, has had termites before or has a lot of timber in the garden, every six months is worth considering.
What happens if you find termites?
I'll show you where they are, explain how far the activity seems to go and talk you through treatment options. You'll get a fixed quote. Nothing gets done without your go-ahead.
Book your termite inspection
If it's been more than a year since your last check, or you've noticed mud leads, soft timber or bubbling paint, book a termite inspection in Brisbane or Logan with me. Call or text 0412 205 586, or book your inspection online. If I'm on a job, send a text with the best time to call and I'll get back to you.