What is a Termite Inspection?
A Termite Inspection is the physical inspection of a building, the grounds (front and back yards) and the fence line out to 50m from the structure.
The Termite Inspection covers the physical testing and checking of all structures accessible outside and inside of the house.
This service is heavily regulated by the Government to protect the home owner from dodgy, unlicensed amateurs from providing this service. As such there is a code of practice we must abide by, in this case for an owner occupied private residence the code of practice is AS3660.
In Queensland, a Termite Inspector MUST hold timber pest qualifications and posses a QBCC (Formerly BSA) Timber Pest Licence.
Always ask for their licence number and if they have insurance! If they DO NOT hold insurance – they are required to inform you of this before they commence your service.
You can check their QBCC Licence number here…
https://www.onlineservices.qbcc.qld.gov.au/OnlineLicenceSearch/VisualElements/SearchBSALicenseeContent.aspx
What Should A Termite Inspector Actually Do When They Inspect A House For Termites?
Firstly, a Termite Inspector should have the following “Tools of the Trade“…
The minimum tools require to perform this task as per Australian standards are –
– Torch – to see in the roof void & sub floor as well as behind stored goods if possible is accessible
– Pocket Knife – to test timber
– Screw Driver – to check timber integrity
– Moisture Meter – to check wall voids for water leaks or termite nests of wet area’s like bathrooms kitchens laundry.
These are the bare minimum tools required to perform a Termite Inspection.
A Quality Termite Inspector will have all of the above tools PLUS the following…
– They will have Trade Insurance
– They will have another $10,000+ in specialist tools over and above the minimum requirement – such as Flir Thermal Imaging Cameras
– Digital remote cameras for inspecting inside the wall voids
– Numerous other specialist tools
How Is The Termite Inspection Performed?
OUTSIDE AREAS…
The Termite Inspection starts by checking the fence line and any timber in ground contact in the yard.
The Termite Inspector will also check the expiry date and product used of any termite management system that may still in place.
They will then begin to inspect the outside of the structure/home for conducive conditions such as:
– Gardens next to walls
– Bridging
– Water outlets dropping water in ground contact
– Rusted gutters
– Wood rot
– Incorrectly placed drill spacing from past dodgy termite technicians poorly installing chemical treated zones (a very common occurrence)
INDOOR AREAS…
– The Termite Inspector will test and tap all accessible timbers throughout the house
– They will use a moisture meter on walls of wet areas
– They will use remote digital cameras to inspect concealed voids if an inspection panel is in place
– They will move up into the roof void and visually inspect all timbers accessible if they are not obstructed by insulation
SUBFLOOR AREA…
If the house has a subfloor, this area is also inspected and close attention will be paid to:
– Water leaks
– Poor drainage
– Timber in ground contact
– Bridging
– Rusted Termite Shields
– Wood rot
THERMAL CAMERAS…
On completion of this above basic Termite Inspection, a quality Termite Inspector will then re-inspect the house with a thermal imaging camera – scanning all surfaces for hot spots that may indicate concealed termite nests or active termite attacks.
THE TERMITE INSPECTION REPORT…
This is how you can spot a cheap dodgy inspection – The Termite Inspection Report must be completed in accordance with Australian standards AS3660 for an owner occupied property (A Pre-Purchase Inspection is more detailed and is in a slightly different format)
The Termite Inspection Report will include recommendations for limiting the potential of future termite attacks, as well as identifying any building faults related to termite risks.
A quality report can be over 30 pages long and include photos.
IF TERMITES ARE FOUND DURING THE INSPECTION…
If an active termite infestation is found during a Termite Inspection, a quality Termite Inspector should be able to stop any termite attack taking place.
Further information on Termite Treatments and Termite Barriers can be found in our article “I’ve Found Termites, What Do I Do?”.
Contact Silk’s Pest Control Brisbane Today for a FREE QUOTE
Adam took the time to explain to me as part of his inspection follow up, the potential issues relating to our house from termites in a practical and clear manner. The report provided after the inspection was clear and direct which will allow me to follow up key points in the future. I highly recommend the Silks Pest Control Team as a potential long term partners in the prevention , detection and treatment on termite… Read More “I Highly Recommend The Silks Pest Control Team”
Russell B - Graceville
Adam was great to deal with. He was very open with assisting us with the purchase of our first home. The report was thorough and provided in a timely manner. His experience is second to none and we would recommend him to… Read More “His Experience Is Second To None”
Jodie M - Beenleigh
From the booking through Nikki to the inspection itself with Adam – the whole experience was easy and done with a great level of service and expertise. A very detailed and thorough inspection with an accompanying report including recommendations for potential pest control measures we take at home to minimise future issues. No issues recommending the… Read More “The Whole Experience Was Easy & Done With A Great Level Of Service & Expertise”
Matthew M - Norman Park
Excellent service. Communication spot on. Reliable and on time. Professional advice and service given. Would highly… Read More “Would Highly Recommend”
Judith W - Tarragindi
I think very highly of the Silk’s Pest Control Team and have been using their services for over a year, they have outstanding communication, are responsive and very friendly. Adam treats our home with respect and provides honest opinions on the services required. Adam is very considerate of children and pet animals within the home. I would highly recommend them for your pest… Read More “Adam Treats Our Home With Respect & Provides Honest Opinions”
Shayleigh M - Camp Hill
I have been using Silk’s for a few years now and I am very happy with the service. Adam is very good and professional and explains any issues and potential problems very competently. Also Nikki does a great job with scheduling… Read More “I Am Very Happy With The Service”
Chris C - Gap
Adam & Nikki are always so pleasant and easy to deal with. Silks have been looking after my property for several years including the installation of a termite barrier. Adam always take the time to explain what he is doing and offer advice. I have no hesitation in recommending Silks to anyone who is looking for a pest control… Read More “Adam Always Takes The Time To Explain What He Is Doing And Offer Advice”
Luke J - Murarrie
Very professional service. Adam phoned ahead to arrange an earlier time and explained all actions thoroughly. He talked through the process and provided recommendations based on evidence. Where further work was suggested he was able to put us in contact with a tradesman who could support the work. The prepared report arrived promptly and was clear and… Read More “Very Professional Service”
Norm K - Yeerongpilly
Fantastic. We have been using their services for many years now. Adam and Nikki are very professional and thorough. Adam is extremely knowledgeable and happy to explain everything he is doing and why. I highly recommend Silks Pest… Read More “Very Professional & Thorough”
Peter K - Moggill
I contacted Silk’s because my Son in Law has had a working relationship with Adam and Nicky for a few years now & has always spoken highly of his Professionalism, efficiency & researched knowledge base I have been given a thorough report on how to protect my property from termite & bug infestation and am now in a position where I can make an informed decision on how to achieve that Am looking forward to continued connection with… Read More “Professionalism, Efficiency & Researched Knowledge Base”
Glenda W - The Gap
Adam & Nicky were fantastic with their pest control. Very knowledgeable & explained some best practices to limit any further issues with pests. Would highly recommend them to do your place! – Justin L – Camp Hill (via Google… Read More “Would Highly Recommend Them To Do Your Place!”
Justin L - Camp Hill
I have been using Silk’s Pest Control for many years and have been very happy with Adam’s professional service, he is always upfront and honest and does a great job – Sylvia D – Carina (via Direct… Read More “He Is Always Upfront And Honest”
Sylvia D - Carina
I had Adam come and do a general pest control and a termite inspection. He was very informative, gave me all the available information and options. I would recommend Silks to others – Paulina Z – Rochedale South (via Google… Read More “He Was Very Informative”
Paulina Z - Rochedale South
5 STARS – Adam Silk of Silk’s Pest Control provided a very thorough termite and timber pest inspection with written report, as well as an internal pest control spray service at my house. Adam was very knowledgeable, experienced and professional. He inspected every part of the house in detail (including using a thermal imaging camera) and took the time to explain any important findings to me. His recommended termite management system was tailored to my needs and circumstances, and took into account other existing issues with my property which he recommended that I engage builders, plumbers and landscapers to fix before installing the terminate management system in order to maximize its effectiveness. He also advised me on how to prepare for the pest control spray treatment beforehand to get the best results (e.g. moving furniture away from walls) and how to maintain the effectiveness of the treatment once completed. Overall… Read More “Adam Was Very Knowledgeable, Experienced & Professional”
Catherine C - Carindale
5 STARS – Silks Pest Control have been very pleasant to deal with. From their friendly and efficient phone manner to the meticulous inspection and knowledgeable advice. The report was promptly sent electronically and presented in a reader-friendly format. I have no hesitation in recommending Silk Pest Control for their professional service… Read More “METICULOUS Inspection and Knowledgeable Advice”
Georgina G - Mitchelton
5 STARS – Adam from Silks Pest Control is a pleasure to deal with. Adam is very professional and seeks to give you the best outcome possible. I will be using Silks from here on in and rate them… Read More “A PLEASURE To Deal With”
Caroline D - Chermside West
5 STARS – Adam provided a very thorough and professional inspection at the agreed time. The Pre-Sale Report was excellent. We will use Silk’s Pest Control for our next pre-purchase… Read More “The Pre-Sale Report was EXCELLENT”
Des C - Eatons Hill
5 STARS – Our company have used Silks Pest Control for many years and have always been more than satisfied. They are very reliable and professional. They always work in with our times to do the… Read More “We Have Always Been MORE Than Satisfied”
Karen S - Fortitude Valley
5 STARS – As we are selling our rental property our property manager organised for Adam from Silk’s Pest control to come out and do an inspection in regards to some termite damage that was found. A great job was carried out with a thorough and informative report received the same day. Adam also phoned ourselves and took the time to explain the report and what was found so everything was easy to understand of what had been done and along with this he was able to offer solutions to suit our needs. Thanks Adam and… Read More “A Great Job Was Carried Out With A Thorough & Informative Report”
Sue-An R - Wellington Point
5 STARS – “Excellent! – Adam took the time to explain the process of how he was tracing the source of the termites. My property was treated and could not be happier”… Read More “Excellent!”
Wayne S - Manly West
5 STAR RATING – Adam and Team provides knowledgeable, professional, friendly, personal information on time every time and is a pleasure dealing with and all our 22 owners have no concerns or pests since Silks have serviced our New Farm Unit… Read More “Knowledgeable, Professional & Friendly Service”
Blair - Body Corporate - New Farm
5 STAR RATING – Silks have been looking after our home in East Brisbane for the past 5 years. We had them install a termite barrier around the home shortly after we purchased it in January 2012, and we have Adam come out every year to inspect for termites. What we love about Silks is that they send us a reminder when we are due for the inspection, so we dont have to worry about keeping track of it, we just get the reminder and book it straight in. I’ve found Adam to be very switched on and he is very thorough at what he does. Overall we are very happy with the service we get from Silks every year and will continue to use them for years to… Read More “Overall We Are Very HAPPY With The Service We Get From Silks Every Year”
Michael S - East Brisbane
5 STAR RATING – We recently had Adam from Silks Pest Control come out to our home in Holland Park. I had found termites when I was vaccuming and had hit the skirting board with the vacuum – the skirting board literally caved in! And then we saw the termites running around in there and started to panic! I asked our Neighbour who she had recently used for her Termite problems and she highly recommended Adam from Silks. So we gave him a call that morning, and he was just so helpful and calming over the phone. He came out that afternoon, performed the inspection, and found 4 other spots where the termites were. He treated all of those areas, then came back a few weeks later to make sure the treatment had worked. He also explained that we had no barrier in place to prevent termite attacks and provided… Read More “We Were So WORRIED When We Found Termites”
Candy T - Holland Park
5 STAR RATING – I recently booked Adam from Silks for a pest treatment service in my unit and found him to be very thorough and very personable. He even gave me great advice on how to ensure my pest treatment would last as long as possible. I will definately be getting my pest treatment done again next year and will certainly be recommending him to my friends, neighbouring unit owners and family. Thank you again… Read More “Very THOROUGH and Very Personable”
Marcia B - Carina Heights
5 STAR RATING – I found Silk’s Pest Control to provide outstanding service. Adam talked me through the entire process and the chemicals used prior to him starting the job. He was very thorough and did a great job. I would recommend Silk’s to anyone looking for either general pest control or for termite eradication. Nikki and Adam both get 10/10 for their brilliant customer service. Well done Silk’s! I will definately be using you every year for my pest… Read More “10/10 For Their BRILLIANT Customer Service”
Andrew M - Geebung
5 STAR RATING – As a Property Manager, I have found that Silk’s Pest Control offers amazing service, quality workmanship and competitive prices. Adam has no hesitation if offering cost effective alternatives for our Landlords to suit each property’s specific needs. I would have no hesitation in recommending them as the service is… Read More “Silk’s Pest Control Offers AMAZING Service & Quality Workmanship”
Michelle - Ray White Real Estate