— Termites cause over $4.5 billion in damage across Australia every year, and the uncomfortable truth is that most home insurance policies have never covered it. While storms slam through Queensland, fires take off across WA, and floods soak New South Wales’ east coast, the quiet chew of termites continues unabated in suburbs from Darwin right through to Melbourne. This damage is not accidental; it’s continual. And without early detection and a proper prevention plan, your protection is as good as your own.
Termite Inspections
We inspect everything we’d expect to find in a perfect habitat for termite activity, checking your property by choice rather than by chance. Our licensed technicians carry out a thorough visual and instrumental inspection of the subfloor beneath your house, the roof void above it, and every span of timber element that joins the structure together. That means fences, garden beds built up against your slab or footings, established trees close to the building, firewood stacks, retaining walls, shed timber, pergolas, and all internal timbers that can be reasonably accessed. If termites are there, we will find them. If they are coming, we will find their pathway.
We use thermal imaging cameras to locate abnormal heat signatures within wall cavities and framing, a calibrated moisture metre to identify the elevated moisture termites crave, and where warranted the Termatrac motion-detection sensor, which detects movement inside timber without tearing it apart. Combined, these tools let us find activity long before it becomes visible, and without punching exploratory holes in your beloved timber. Each inspection is conducted in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3660.1, the national benchmark for termite inspections, so you can be confident the process is thorough, repeatable, and defensible.
After the inspection, you will receive a full written report within 24 hours complete with high-resolution photographs. Your report isn’t a hastily written template; it’s a document that you can share with your builder, insurer, solicitor, or buyer.
The written report covers:
- Areas inspected and sections where access was limited, with photographs
- Evidence of live termite activity, past damage, or conducive conditions
- Timber pest species identified (termites, borers, wood-decay fungi)
- Moisture readings and thermal anomalies, where recorded
- Recommendations for treatment and prevention or for prevention only
- Risk rating and suggested inspection interval
We recommend annual inspections, at least. Twelve months is the longest we’d let a property go without a check in most of Australia; in high-risk regions like coastal Queensland or northern New South Wales, a six-month check is well advised. Typical cost is $250 to $350, depending on the size of the dwelling, subfloor access, and whether outbuildings are also included. Compared to repair costs that run easily into five figures, it is one of the least expensive and wisest investments a homeowner can make.
Termite Treatment
When live termites are located during an inspection, the objective immediately changes from monitoring to taking action. The treatment is planned and explained to you fully before we begin; no surprises, and no hidden extras. First, and most important: no barrier (chemical or bait) is installed until the colony itself has been eliminated. Install a barrier around live workings and two problems are created: either the termites already inside are sealed in to continue feeding for longer, or the termites are simply diverted onto another route around the property edge. Either way, the problem remains. Colony elimination is always first.
To eliminate the colony, we use a mix of tried-and-tested, scientifically proven methods. Termidor foam is injected directly into active workings where it expands and fills the gallery and termites carry it back to the nest. Baiting at identified access points uses a slow-acting growth inhibitor spread throughout the colony and back to the queen. Dusting galleries picks up active termites with a fine toxic dust that they carry into the nest through mutual grooming. Exactly which method, or combination, is chosen will depend on the species, the extent of activity and what access is presented by the structure.
An important caution: do not disturb the workings, spray them yourself with household insecticide, or rip out damaged timber before we get there. This is not simply an inconvenience for us. Disturb the nest, and the termite colony will simply change position and move somewhere else in the building left undetected and untreated. It would only take a moment to collapse the colony, usually four to ten weeks depending on colony size, species and the chosen method, and we’ll discuss check-up inspections during this period. At completion, we’ll install a barrier to remove the colony and then proceed to the next phase.
Termite Barriers
Once the colony has been eliminated, or if your property is currently termite-free and being protected preemptively, we recommend one or both of the two principal barrier systems.
Chemical Soil Barrier
The gold standard for most brick veneer and concrete slab homes is a chemical soil barrier using Termidor HE. We trench and inject a continuous treated zone around the entire perimeter of the building, with particular attention at plumbing penetrations, joints and cracks. Termidor HE binds strongly to soil and works by transfer; termites pass through the zone, accumulate the active ingredient and spread it throughout the colony. A professionally installed Termidor HE barrier can provide up to eight years of protection, and it is installed in compliance with AS 3660.2, the standard governing termite management systems for new and existing buildings. The finished application is neat, with the trench backfilled and the surface restored.
In-Ground Bait Systems
The second option is an in-ground bait system, using either Exterra or Sentricon stations. These are installed discreetly in the ground around the perimeter at set intervals and monitored on a monthly basis by us. Where termites intercept a station, a bait matrix is placed inside. The bait matrix contains a slow-acting chitin synthesis inhibitor. Termites feed on the bait, share it with the colony and ultimately the colony collapses; achieving colony elimination without mass chemical application. In-ground bait systems are suitable for nearly any property type, and are especially valuable where chemical trenching is impractical: where there is extensive paving, where drainage runs close to footings, on sloping blocks, or on sensitive sites where homeowners would prefer to minimise soil chemical.
In many cases, a combined program works best: in-ground stations monitoring the yard perimeter, plus a targeted chemical barrier around the main building. The right choice depends on your construction type, soil, drainage, local termite pressure, and your own preference for monitoring versus a treated zone. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each and provide a firm recommendation so you can move forward with confidence.
Signs of Termites
Termites rarely announce themselves. More often, homeowners see the subtle secondary indicators long before they see an insect. If you detect any of the following signs, give us a call to book an inspection rather than just hope for the best.
- Mud tubes (mud leads) running along the exterior wall footings or up the sides of timber stumps, roughly the width of a pencil.
- Hollow or papery sound when tapping timber skirting, architraves or floorboards.
- Doors and windows that suddenly become tight-fitting due to termite-related structural movement.
- Discarded wings from alates (the winged reproductive stage) around windowsills or under light fittings.
- Darkening, blistering or sagging of timber surfaces which may resemble water damage.
- Frass (termite droppings resembling fine sand or pepper) near skirting boards or architraves.
- Papery, damaged skirting boards that crumble at the slightest pressure, a telltale sign termites have eaten the timber beneath and left only the paint film.
If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t put off an inspection. The earlier we get to a colony, the cheaper it will be to treat and the less damage will be added to the ledger. Contact Aussie Pest Strike today to organise your termite inspection and find out exactly what is happening in your home.
High-Risk Properties
Termites target specific conditions. If your property matches any of the following, the risk of an active infestation is significantly higher than average — and the case for an annual inspection is stronger still.
- Weatherboard construction — timber-framed and timber-clad homes give termites direct, concealed access to the structure. There is no concrete slab to negotiate.
- Tree stumps, dead roots or old landscaping timbers — dead timber within 1.5m of the structure acts as a nursery colony that then bridges into the building.
- Poor subfloor ventilation or moisture accumulation — termites require moisture to survive. Damp subfloors caused by inadequate ventilation or drainage issues create ideal conditions.
- Untreated pine or hardwood landscaping timbers in garden beds abutting the building perimeter — commonly installed without a physical or chemical barrier between the timber and the footings.
- Homes built before 1995 — pre-1995 construction often has no chemical soil barrier installed and may predate modern AS 3660 requirements entirely.
- Recent renovation or extension work — disturbance to soil around footings can breach an existing chemical barrier zone.
- Properties near bushland or remnant vegetation — native tree root systems can extend tens of metres and carry foraging colonies directly to your home.
If your property fits one or more of these criteria, do not wait for visible signs of damage before booking an inspection. At Aussie Pest Strike, we carry out thermal imaging and Termatrac scanning as standard — we find termite activity well before it becomes visible to the naked eye. Early detection is the difference between a $300 inspection and a $30,000 repair bill.
Why Termite Damage Isn’t Covered by Insurance
This is the detail most homeowners discover at the worst possible moment. Standard Australian home and contents insurance policies exclude damage caused by insects, pests and vermin. Termite damage is classified by insurers as gradual deterioration — not sudden, accidental loss — which places it in the same category as rust, mould and general wear and tear.
The Insurance Council of Australia consistently lists pest and vermin damage as a standard policy exclusion. No matter how comprehensive your home insurance appears on paper, if termites have eaten through your wall frames, subfloor bearers or roof timbers, your insurer will not pay the repair bill.
Prevention is the only financial protection available. An annual inspection at $250–$350, backed by an active chemical barrier or bait system, is a fraction of the average termite repair cost — which CSIRO research has pegged at $7,000 to $30,000 per affected property. The maths are straightforward.
Our Termite Warranty
Every service we carry out is backed by clear, written documentation — not verbal assurances.
- Termite inspection warranty — 12-month coverage on every inspection report. If termites are found within 12 months in a location we inspected and reported as clear, we return at no charge.
- Chemical barrier warranty — up to 8 years depending on product applied (Termidor HE carries an 8-year structural warranty when applied in full compliance with AS 3660.2). Warranty documentation is provided at completion.
- Bait system programme guarantee — ongoing monitoring contracts include a colony elimination guarantee. If an active colony is detected during routine monitoring, treatment is carried out at no additional cost.
- Written records — every inspection and treatment is documented with a signed report lodged with the homeowner and stored in our system. Reports comply with Australian Standards and are accepted by real estate solicitors for property transactions.
Preparing for Your Termite Inspection
Our inspections are non-invasive — you do not need to leave the property. To get the most complete inspection possible, a few minutes of preparation makes a significant difference:
- Clear access to the subfloor hatch — move garden equipment, boxes or stored items away from the entry point
- Clear a 300mm strip around the full external perimeter of the building so the inspector can access wall footings and weepholes
- Ensure the hot water system, metre box and any underfloor service access panels are reachable
- Remove stored timber, firewood or mulch that is stacked against external walls or fences
- Leave internal rooms accessible — the inspector will check skirting boards, window reveals and door frames throughout the home
- If you have a pool or water feature, leave equipment running so the inspector can assess drainage patterns
That is all that is needed. Our technician will introduce themselves on arrival, walk you through what they are checking and why, and explain their findings before leaving the property.
How much does a termite inspection cost?
A standard timber pest inspection at Aussie Pest Strike is $250–$350 for a residential property. The price varies slightly by property size, subfloor access complexity, and whether the inspection includes roof void access. There are no hidden call-out fees — the quoted price is the price you pay. A written report with photos is included at no extra charge.
How long does a termite inspection take?
Most residential inspections take 60 to 90 minutes. Larger properties with extensive subfloor areas, multiple outbuildings or complex roof voids may take up to two hours. The written report is delivered digitally within 24 hours of the inspection being completed.
What happens if termites are found during the inspection?
If live termite activity is detected, your technician will explain the findings on-site — what species, where the workings are, and the likely entry point. You will receive a written treatment proposal before any further work is carried out. We do not proceed with treatment without your written approval. In most cases, treatment can begin within 24–48 hours of the inspection. Do not spray workings yourself or disturb the mud tubes — this causes the colony to retreat and makes subsequent treatment significantly harder.
What is the difference between a chemical barrier and a bait system?
A chemical soil barrier involves injecting or trenching a termiticide (typically Termidor HE) around the full perimeter of the building. It creates a treated zone in the soil that termites cannot detect and pass through — eliminating any colony that contacts it and transferring the active ingredient back through the colony via the transfer effect. It provides up to 8 years of continuous protection. A bait system uses in-ground stations installed around the perimeter containing a bait matrix. Foraging termites find the bait, feed on it and carry it back to the colony, causing colony collapse over several weeks. Bait systems require ongoing monthly monitoring. Chemical barriers are generally preferred for brick and slab homes; bait systems suit properties where full-perimeter trenching is impractical — such as tiled paths, established garden beds or reactive clay soils. We often recommend a combination programme for the highest level of protection.
Can I treat termites myself?
You can purchase hardware-store termite products, but in most cases, DIY treatment makes the problem worse. Repellent sprays cause termites to abandon visible workings and relocate deeper into the structure — out of reach of further treatment. The colony is not eliminated; it simply becomes harder to find. Termite treatment requires non-repellent products (such as Termidor) that the insects cannot detect, and application methods that achieve even distribution throughout the colony’s foraging zone. These products are restricted to licensed pest managers in every Australian state. If you suspect termite activity, the most cost-effective action you can take is an inspection — not a hardware-store spray.