Subterranean Termites are persistent and resourceful insects that can find their way into your home through various entry points.

Understanding how termites can gain access into a structure is crucial in determining the right course of action to be undertaken in preventing termite infestations or helping protect your home from termite attack. Here are some common ways termites can enter a house:

• Cracks in the foundation: Subterranean termites, the most common type, live in the soil and can enter your home through tiny cracks or gaps in the foundation, especially if the soil around your house is moist.
• Wood-to-ground contact: When wooden elements of your home, such as door frames, deck posts, or siding, are in direct contact with the soil, they provide a convenient bridge for termites to enter your house.
• Mud tubes: Subterranean termites construct mud tubes, also known as shelter tubes, to protect themselves from dry air and predators as they travel between the soil and their food source. These tubes are often found on exterior walls, foundation walls, or inside crawl spaces.
• Tree stumps and firewood: Old tree stumps, dead trees, and firewood stacked against your home can attract termites. Once they have infested these materials, they may eventually find their way into your house.
• Moisture-damaged wood: Termites are drawn to moisture-damaged wood, as it is easier for them to chew through and provides the necessary humidity for their survival. Leaking pipes, poor ventilation, and improper drainage can all contribute to moisture issues that attract termites.
• Reproductive Alates: During certain times of the year, reproductive termites called swarmers may emerge from an established colony to start new colonies. These winged termites can enter your home through small openings, such as gaps around windows and doors or vents.

To minimise the risk of subterranean termites entering your home, it is highly recommended a Termite Inspection be carried out of every 12 months by a licensed professional to help identify potential entry points and address any environmental or conducive conditions that may help promote subterranean termite activity. As a part of the inspection, further recommendations can be made to help protect your single most investment from future subterranean termite activity.  

A termite inspection is a thorough visual examination of a property by a licenced pest control technician to identify the presence of subterranean termites or termite damage any environmental and or conducive conditions that may promote subterranean termite activity. Key aspects of a termite inspection include:

• Visual inspection: Identifying visible signs of subterranean termite activity or damage, signs of discarded wing butts, mud tubes or nests.
• Probing and tapping: Using specialized tools, to probe and tap wooden structures to check for hollowness or weakness, which may indicate termite damage.
• Moisture assessment: Since termites are attracted to moisture, it's important to will look for areas with high moisture levels, such as leaks, poor ventilation, or improper drainage.
• Foundation and crawl space: the foundation and crawl space will be inspected as these are common entry points for termites.

After the inspection, you will receive a detailed report outlining any findings including termite activity or damage if present, any environmental or conducive conditions and any recommendations or requirements for termite management to the property.

The duration of any termite inspection can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the property, the complexity of the structure and or extent of any termite activity or damage observed during the inspection. In most cases an inspection can be carried out in 1 to 1.5 hours including the report.

Factors that can influence the length of a termite inspection include:

• Property size: Larger homes or properties will naturally take longer to inspect than smaller ones. As a standard we are obligated to inspect up to 50 metres from the structure or the property boundary whichever comes first.
• Accessibility: Limitations are often observed during an inspection that may restrict visual inspection of a particular area such as stored items, heavy or bulky furnishings, insulation or ducting, difficult spaces like subfloors or roof voids. 
• Age or Condition of the property: Older homes or those with history of previous termite activity or damage present a heighten level of risk or susceptibility to attack from subterranean termites.
• Prescence of termite activity: After the discovery of an active infestation, it is important that the termite workings are not disturbed any further, until the proposed method of management has been determined. Premature attempts to treat, repair or replace infested timber may cause the termites to withdraw from the area temporarily, thereby hindering effective management. 
• Invasive inspection:  If evidence of termite activity or damage is observed, you must consider that further damage may be present in concealed areas. We will recommend an invasive inspection be carried out to determine this.