Why Are Termites Such a Major Concern in Queensland and NSW?

Pricing varies based on property size, accessibility and location. A standard three-bedroom house inspection usually falls within the $280 to $350 range. Larger properties, those with multiple buildings or properties with limited subfloor access may attract higher fees.

Combined building and pest inspections offer better value, typically ranging from $450 to $650. This approach provides comprehensive property assessment in a single appointment and is particularly recommended for pre-purchase inspections.

Insurance companies classify termite damage as a maintenance issue rather than a sudden, accidental event. This exclusion applies to virtually all Australian insurers and extends to damage caused by other timber pests including borers and wood decay fungi.

Some specialist insurers offer termite damage coverage as an add-on policy, but these products typically have significant limitations, waiting periods and require evidence of regular professional inspections. The most effective protection remains prevention through regular inspections and appropriate barrier systems.

Subterranean termites build pencil-width mud tubes to travel between their nest and food sources. These tubes often appear on foundation walls, inside cupboards or in subfloor areas. Tapping timber architraves, skirting boards or door frames may reveal a hollow sound where termites have consumed internal timber.

Doors and windows that suddenly become difficult to open may indicate termite damage or the moisture termites introduce. Drywood termites leave small piles of pellet-shaped frass below infested timber. Any of these signs warrants immediate professional inspection.

Inspection duration depends on property size, accessibility and whether thermal imaging equipment is used. Inspectors require adequate time to access subfloor and roof void areas, examine all accessible timbers and assess external grounds.

Be wary of inspectors who complete assessments in under an hour for standard homes, as this rarely allows sufficient time for comprehensive inspection under AS 4349.3 requirements.

Termite treatment eliminates current infestations but does not provide permanent immunity. Chemical soil barriers typically remain effective for five to eight years depending on the product, soil conditions and environmental factors. Physical barriers offer longer protection but can be bridged if not maintained properly.

Annual inspections remain essential even after treatment to detect any new activity before significant damage occurs. Properties with termite history face elevated ongoing risk and may benefit from more frequent inspections.

Building inspections examine foundations, walls, roofing, plumbing, electrical safety and general maintenance issues. Pest inspections focus on termites, borers, wood decay fungi and conducive conditions.

Both inspections examine similar areas but with different objectives and require different expertise. Most inspectors are qualified in both disciplines and offer combined building and pest inspections, which is the recommended approach for pre-purchase assessments.

The National Construction Code requires termite management systems for new buildings in termite-prone areas. These systems include chemical barriers, physical barriers or a combination. Pest inspections verify these systems are properly installed and documented.

New homes can also develop termite problems within their first year if construction practices were poor or if management systems have gaps. Identifying issues during the warranty period allows defect claims against the builder.

Despite the name, termites are not ants. They are more closely related to cockroaches. Worker termites are pale, soft-bodied insects approximately 4-6mm long. Soldier termites have larger, darker heads with prominent mandibles. Reproductive termites (alates) have wings and appear darker, often seen swarming after rain.

True ants have distinctly segmented bodies with a narrow waist, bent antennae and harder exoskeletons. Termites have thick waists and straight antennae.

A single Coptotermes colony may have foraging territory covering several neighbouring properties. This means termite nests in trees, stumps or neighbouring land can affect your property even without a nest on your premises.

Pest inspections assess not only your property but also visible potential nest sites on neighbouring land. Termite management strategies must account for this foraging range when designing barrier systems.

Unlike cooler southern states where termite activity slows significantly in winter, the subtropical and temperate climates of Queensland and NSW support continuous termite activity. Swarming events, where reproductive termites emerge to establish new colonies, typically occur after summer storms.

This year-round activity is a key reason why annual inspections are essential in these states, regardless of season.

Homeowners should regularly check for mud tubes, timber damage and moisture issues. However, termites often remain hidden within wall cavities, under flooring and in areas requiring specialist access equipment.

Professional inspectors use moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras and borescopes to detect activity not visible during casual observation. Insurance claims, property transactions and effective treatment planning all require formal inspection reports from qualified professionals.

In Queensland, inspectors must hold a Pest Management Technician Licence from Queensland Health. In NSW, licensing falls under NSW Fair Trading. Look for inspectors who hold relevant Certificate III or IV qualifications in pest management and are members of professional associations such as AEPMA.

Building inspectors conducting timber pest inspections should demonstrate competency in AS 4349.3 requirements. Always request licence numbers and verify currency with the relevant state authority.