Inspections

The first and most important step in your termite management plan is regular six monthly/ yearly inspections by your qualified Timber Pest Specialists. Inspections are environmentally responsible as they reduce the need for unnecessary chemical applications and can save you thousands of dollars by detecting pest problems early. All Austrapest inspection reports are completed to Australian Standards on Timber Pest Inspections A.S.4349.3. Our detailed, typed report provided is an essential part of the inspection process as it provides a complex plan of action. Inspections take between one and three hours on site, and similar time and care is taken in the production of the report. We pride our comprehensive reports on their level of detail, of a significantly higher standard than the industry average.

Pre-Purchase, or Prior to Purchase Timber Pest Inspections, are essential before purchasing your most valuable asset, your home. It is necessary to have a very good idea on whether there is a problem with the property, the extent of the problem and what is required for rectifications, prior to making the commitment to purchase. You should not solely rely on the information given to you by the vendor or their agent. nor based on a combined building report, which usually contains less detail on timber pests and their damage. The AEPMA Code of Practice for Prior to Purchase recognises the need for an independent inspection and report.

 

Further and Invasive Inspections

Further and invasive inspections are additional tools in Austrapest’s Pest Inspection Services, and may be recommended, at extra cost, when active termites or damage are suspected in areas such as wall cavities, trees and stumps or when a more thorough inspection is needed prior to purchase.

Further inspections include Thermal Imaging or Termatrac, where no damage to the property is required to gain further access. Invasive Inspections such as Borescope, test drilling, or cutting access traps, often involve some drilling or cutting to gain access to inaccessible areas, and require written consent from the owner. E.g. Borescope inspection may help locate and determine the extent of termite damage in wall cavities. Common tools for inspection include – torches, probes, mirrors, moisture metres, computer recording technology and cameras.

Test Drill Trees and Stumps

Trees and stumps provide a great food source and nesting opportunity for termites. When test drilling suspect trees and stumps, a small hole is created, and a flexible borescope is inserted inside or below the tree to get a better visual of any possible nests, activity, or damage. If a destructive species of termite is discovered, a treatment may be applied to the tree or stump.

Note: Trees on your property should be inspected regularly by a tree surgeon as falling boughs can cause damage to property and injury to people.

Borescope Inspection to Buildings

A Borescope Inspection can provide a Fibre Optic Inspection inside walls or inaccessible voids of a building. While it may not provide a full assessment of the damage to timbers in walls (or interfloor sections), it may assist in locating termite damage, activity and entry points without having to remove all wall cladding. Wall lining can then be removed in particular areas of problem.

This work is highly recommended if severe termite infestation is present, especially for buildings on concrete slab sections, brick veneer and timber wall frames.

Termatrac Inspections

The Termatrac device is a movement detector and help locate active termites without having to open the walls - an important step when deciding on a treatment plan.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging inspections are often carried out after a pre-purchase pest inspection, or when more than just a visual inspection is required. Thermal Imaging unit allows us to detect thermal anomalies within timber wall studs without having to remove wall linings or to cut holes. Infrared Thermography is a detection procedure that converts invisible heat energy into a visible picture. Thermal infrared camera can detect temperatures within the range of 1.1°C to 343°C, with termites emitting thermal energy as high as 32°C.

Cut Access Traps

Strip traps or holes can be cut in Gyprock wall or ceiling inside to allow access for inspection to expose termite entry points, activity or damage. A large range of removable hole covers are available for a nicer finish.

Traps can also be cut in the flooring to gain access under the inaccessible areas of a building to assess pest activity or damage there.