Termite inspection guide

Why termite inspections matter in Australia

Termites (also called "white ants") cause more damage to Australian homes than fire, flood, and storm combined. CSIRO estimates termite damage costs Australian homeowners over $1 billion per year. Most home insurance policies do not cover termite damage, making regular inspections your primary defense.

Termites are active across most of Australia, especially in:

• Coastal and humid regions (Queensland, northern NSW, northern Australia)
• Areas with moisture and timber-to-ground contact
• Properties with subfloor timber framing or weatherboard cladding

What is AS 3660?

AS 3660 is the Australian Standard for termite management in buildings. It covers:

• AS 3660.1: New building work — termite barriers and prevention
• AS 3660.2: Detection, assessment, and treatment of existing infestations
• AS 3660.3: Guidelines for ongoing management and inspection

A termite inspection follows AS 3660 and is separate from a building inspection (AS 4349.1). Most buyers book a combined building and pest inspection to cover both standards in one visit.

What inspectors check during a termite inspection

A licensed timber pest inspector will:

• Inspect all accessible areas inside and outside the property, including subfloor, roof space, and perimeter
• Look for live termites and evidence of active infestation (mud tubes, damaged timber, frass)
• Check for termite damage to structural timber, including wall frames, floor joists, and bearers
• Use specialised tools such as moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and sounding tools to detect hidden activity
• Assess conducive conditions: moisture sources, timber-to-ground contact, subfloor ventilation, landscaping touching the building
• Inspect termite barriers (chemical or physical) if present, and note any breaches
• Check for other timber pests: borers and wood decay fungi

How to read a termite inspection report

The report will categorise findings as:

• Active termite infestation: Live termites found, immediate treatment required
• Previous termite activity: Old damage or evidence of past treatment
• Termite damage: Structural timber compromised, may require repairs
• Conducive conditions: Factors that increase termite risk (high-risk areas must be addressed)
• No evidence found: No live termites or recent activity detected (but this doesn't mean the property is termite-proof forever)

Important: "No evidence found" means no visible signs on the day of inspection. Termites can enter a property between inspections, which is why ongoing monitoring is essential.

How often should you inspect for termites?

AS 3660.2 recommends annual inspections for most properties. However, high-risk properties should be inspected every 3 to 6 months if:

• The property is in a high-termite-activity area (tropical or coastal)
• There's a history of termite activity on the property or neighbouring properties
• The building has timber framing, weatherboard cladding, or timber subfloor
• There's poor subfloor ventilation or moisture issues

If you have a termite management system (chemical barrier, baiting system, or physical barrier), it should be inspected and serviced according to the system's warranty terms — usually annually.

What happens if termites are found?

If the inspection finds live termites:

1. Don't disturb them. Disturbing termites can cause them to relocate, making treatment harder.
2. Get a treatment quote immediately. Licensed pest controllers can provide chemical treatment, baiting systems, or physical barriers.
3. Assess the damage. A structural engineer or builder may need to inspect timber damage to determine if repairs are required.
4. Negotiate if buying. If you're a buyer, use the treatment and repair quotes to negotiate a price reduction or request the seller treat the infestation before settlement.

Termite treatment options

• Chemical soil treatment: A liquid termiticide barrier applied around the property perimeter and under the slab. Lasts 5 to 8 years.
• Termite baiting systems: In-ground bait stations that attract and eliminate termite colonies. Requires ongoing monitoring.
• Physical barriers: Stainless steel mesh or graded stone installed during construction to block termite entry. Cannot be retrofitted to existing buildings.
• Timber treatment: Direct treatment of infested timber with chemicals or dusts.

Treatment costs vary widely based on property size, infestation severity, and method chosen. Expect $2,000 to $5,000+ for a comprehensive chemical barrier.

Preventing termite infestations

• Remove timber-to-ground contact: Timber posts, sleepers, firewood, and garden beds should not touch the building.
• Improve subfloor ventilation: Ensure vents are not blocked and subfloor areas are dry.
• Fix leaks and moisture sources: Termites are attracted to moisture. Repair leaking taps, hot water systems, and downpipes.
• Keep gardens clear: Mulch, landscaping timbers, and dense plantings close to the house create termite highways.
• Inspect regularly: Annual inspections catch infestations early, before major damage occurs.

Do I need a termite inspection if the house is brick or concrete?

Yes. Brick veneer houses often have timber frames, and termites can still enter through cracks in concrete slabs, expansion joints, or service penetrations. Even steel-framed houses can have termite issues if there's timber decking, skirting, or cabinetry.

Can I do my own termite inspection?

No. Termite inspections must be carried out by a licensed timber pest inspector. Termites often hide in wall cavities, subfloor spaces, and roof voids that are hard to access and require specialist tools (thermal cameras, moisture meters, sounding equipment) to detect.

Costs

Typical termite inspection costs:

• Standalone termite inspection: $250–$400
• Combined building and pest inspection: $450–$700 (most cost-effective option for buyers)

See our full cost guide for detailed pricing by state and property type.

Next steps

If you're buying a property, book a combined building and pest inspection to cover both AS 4349.1 and AS 3660. Get up to 3 quotes from licensed inspectors in your area.