This includes fences, wall edges, the slab edge, decks, steps, landscaping timbers, retaining walls, stumps and any other areas that are in direct contact with the ground. The management standard for termites introduced by Standards Australia in requires us to first do a non-invasive standard termite inspection. We always recommend inspecting the outside walls before we look at the interior of the home so we can eliminate the exterior as a point of entry.
We want to avoid confusion between water leaks and termite activity. It is important homeowners tell us if they have experienced leaks in their bathrooms, vanities or kitchen recently. We use devices that scan for evidence of moisture in the walls so prior damage can give us a false reading.
We start by walking very slowly through the home, working clockwise from one side to the other. We systematically tap the skirting boards, doorframes and window frames with a donger. When termites invade these spaces they devour all the wood and only leave the external paint. When you hit damaged wood with a donger it gives off a different tone. This indicates that this is a hollow area with termite damage.
We also scan these areas with a moisture scanner. If we find damage with the donger, but no evidence of moisture, we can assume that it is an old termite infestation. About 80 percent of Australian homes have an infill slab between the floor and the wall. We commonly see termite workings here too because they enter the home underneath the brickwork or between the internal slab and brickwork.
We also scan the areas we are inspecting with a Termatrac sensor, which works a bit like a heart rate monitor. When the blue line flickers we know there is movement in the wall. We can also use a thermal imaging camera to measure movement. Any sign of movement confirms a live infestation of termites in that area. No movement means no termites and we can then assume the moisture is not caused by them. As we go, we mark the walls with small dots to signal abnormal readings.
Finally, we check all the accessible areas in the roof void including the roof trusses, frames and top plates as required by Standards Australia. Many contractors only inspect from the manhole whereas we actually climb into the roof and inspect all areas thoroughly. A full inspection takes between one and one-and-a-half hours.
Just because tree branches are natural in the environment doesn't mean they get a pass from termites. Round up dead wood and discard it. Wooden structures -- Termite-resistant wood products are often used in the construction of outdoor structures like decks, arbors, playsets and sheds. If you have wooden improvements on your property that aren't made from termite-resistant materials like pressure-treated wood, they may be vulnerable to termite damage now or in the future.
Because termites eat wood from the inside, you usually won't see surface damage. You may see dried mud tubes and a few other dabs of mud here and there possibly. A termite inspector may be able to tap a wood beam and detect a low or flat sound that indicates that the wood is somewhat hollower on the inside than it should be. This can be a subtle distinction a novice may miss, though. In the advanced stages of disintegration, you'll see little bits of mud inside termite damaged wood.
You'll also notice it has been excavated leaving long, deep parallel grooves. That's because termites like to eat the soft spring-growth sections of the wood and leave the hard wood portions alone. These striations will help you distinguish termite damage from dry rot or water damage.
Termites like munching on things other than wood. They enjoy easily consumed wood based materials -- termite fast food. They love cardboard and paper. They've even been known to eat the paper backing on sheets of drywall.
Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Home Improvement. Insect Control. They look similar to winged termites, but there are three big differences: Advertisement.
A termite's rear wings they have two sets are the same length as their front wings. In flying ants, the rear wings are smaller than the front wings. Termites have wide waists, but ants have wasp waist indentations below their second set of wings. Termites have straight, beaded antennae, where ants have antennae with elbows and jointed bends.
Nature's Termite Traps. These questions can help us complete an inspection as we will ensure we investigate these areas during our initial inspection. Squeaky, spongy, bouncy and creaky floorboards are all signs that there may be termite damage below.
We check any type of accessible timber construction in your home as it could potentially host termite activity.
The subfloor will show the first signs of termite activity. This will be an indicator for any damage above floor. We are not just looking for damaged wood or termite tunnels, but also for signs that the wood is susceptible to pests. Cells in wood hold a lot of moisture. When it starts to break down, it goes through a process known as delignification. Delignification releases carbon dioxide, which attracts termites. So, moisture in wood is not necessarily a sign that there are termites, but it can be a warning that wood needs to be replaced before it attracts termites.
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