Termite and timber pest inspections in Ipswich

A termite and timber pest inspection with a written report. This is an inspection, not a treatment: if termites are found, a licensed pest manager quotes separately.

Inspection, not pest control

This page is about termite inspections: finding out whether termites or other timber pests are present, and what is making the home vulnerable. It is not a treatment or pest control service. If treatment is needed, it is quoted separately by a licensed pest manager.

What a timber pest inspection checks

A timber pest inspection to AS 4349.3 is a visual inspection with a written report (ABLIS: AS 4349.3-2010). It covers:

• Subterranean termites: live activity, mud leads, nests where visible, and damage.
• Borers: beetle larvae that tunnel through some timbers.
• Wood decay (rot): in stumps, bearers, verandah boards, posts, stairs and joinery that stay damp.
• Conducive conditions: leaks, poor drainage, timber touching the ground, garden beds or paving over weep holes, poor subfloor ventilation and stored timber under or against the house.

Signs of termites buyers can spot

At an open home, look for blistered or bubbling paintwork, which can indicate termite activity (CAV). Also look for:

• mud tubes on stumps, piers, slab edges or under the house
• architraves, skirtings and stair treads that sound hollow
• doors and windows that start to jam, or floors that feel soft.

These are warning signs only. A licensed inspector confirms what is going on.

Termite risk in Ipswich

The QBCC says termites are a problem throughout Queensland and recommends having your home inspected every year, or more often in high-hazard areas (QBCC: protect against termites). In Ipswich, raised timber Queenslanders give termites plenty of timber close to the ground, and newer slab homes can be attacked through slab edges, penetrations and bridged barriers. Whatever the house, an annual check is the QBCC's advice, not just a pre-purchase step.

Termite management systems and the meter-box notice

Many Queensland homes have a termite management system: a physical barrier, a chemical treatment zone, or both. The QBCC notes that a termite management notice is kept in the electrical meter box (QBCC). Check it, and ask the seller for installation and service records. Additions like decks, garden beds and paving can bridge a barrier and give termites a hidden way in.

Inspection is not treatment

If the inspector finds live termites, they will usually recommend you do not disturb them and that a licensed pest manager quotes a treatment. Repairs to damaged timber are a separate quote again, from a builder or carpenter. If you are buying, talk to your solicitor before your contract inspection date about what the findings mean.

Checking your inspector

Before you book, ask the inspector for their licence details and check them on the QBCC's online licence search. Ask for a sample report too, so you can see how they present termite findings and conducive conditions.

If you are buying, book the pre-purchase building and pest inspection to cover both reports in one visit. See how to read your report, the buyer checklist, or request a quote.

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