Timber pest inspection: what it checks and what it leaves out
It is a visual check, so the report is only as complete as the access you allow. Here is what it covers and what to ask.
What a timber pest inspection is
A timber pest inspection is a check of a building for termites, wood borers and fungal decay. In Australia it is meant to follow AS 4349.3, the standard that sets what a visual inspection covers and what the report must say.
The word "timber pest" is broader than "termite", and that is deliberate. Termites get the attention, but borers and decay can damage the same timber.
Timber pests, and what each one leaves behind
| Pest | Evidence an inspector looks for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Termites | Mud tubes, hollow-sounding timber, damaged skirting or door frames | Can hollow structural timber while the surface looks sound |
| Wood borers | Small exit holes and fine powder (frass) beneath | Often limited to certain timbers, and some attacks fade by themselves |
| Fungal decay | Soft, crumbly or cracked timber, usually damp | Points to a moisture problem that needs fixing |
The inspector reports what is visible. Identifying the exact species is a separate job, and it is not done from a photo or a description.
What the inspection does not do
It is visual and non-invasive. The inspector does not open walls, lift flooring or crawl into spaces that are unsafe or too tight. Anything blocked by stored goods, insulation or a locked door goes in the limitations section.
That is not a flaw in the system. It is the system. A report is only as complete as the access allowed, so prepare the house before the visit.
Getting the house ready
You can make the visit more useful with a bit of tidying. Clear the areas around the walls, make sure the roof void and subfloor hatches open, and unlock sheds and garages. Move stored items away from walls where you can.
Do not clean up evidence beforehand. If you have seen a mud tube or fine powder, leave it exactly as it is and tell the inspector where it was.
Reading the report
Start with three things: what was inspected, what was not, and what the inspector recommends. A report that says "no active termites found" but lists half the house as not accessible has told you very little.
Look for recommendations about conditions too. Damp subfloors, timber buried in soil and leaking fittings rarely count as an active infestation, but they raise the chance of one. The plumbing side of that belongs to Plumbing Explained.
When one is worth booking
Book one before you buy, and again on a regular schedule once you own the house. Booking one after you see something odd is also sensible. Waiting to see whether it goes away is not, because termite damage tends to continue unseen.
If the inspector finds activity, treatment is a job for a licensed pest management technician using products registered by the APVMA. It is not a job for a can of supermarket spray, which can drive the colony to re-enter somewhere you cannot see.
Do not skip the licence check
Inspector and technician licensing varies by state, so ask which licence applies where you live. A short call to your state regulator or the inspector's own website will settle it. For the difference between those who inspect and those who treat, see pest control licences.
Different inspectors, different reports
Two inspectors can walk the same house and write reports of different quality. The better one names the areas not inspected, explains why, and says plainly what they recommend next. The weaker one hides a long limitations list behind a confident summary.
Judge the report by how well it admits what it could not see. That is a better guide than length, photographs or the brand of the equipment used.
Frequently asked questions
What does a timber pest inspection check for?
It checks for termites, wood borers and fungal decay, plus conditions that favour them. The inspector reports visible evidence in accessible areas and lists the areas they could not reach.
Which standard does a timber pest inspection follow?
In Australia it is meant to follow AS 4349.3, which sets the scope of a visual inspection and what the report must contain. Ask the inspector to confirm that their report follows it.
How should I prepare for the inspection?
Clear access to the roof void and subfloor, unlock sheds and garages, and move stored items away from walls. Do not clean up any evidence you have seen. Leave it and tell the inspector where it is.
Does an inspection include treatment?
No. Inspection finds and reports. If activity is found, treatment is a job for a licensed pest management technician using products registered by the APVMA, not for do-it-yourself spraying.
Sources
What this page explains is based on these official sources. If you check one and it does not match what you read here, send it to us and the article gets corrected.
- Department of Health, Victoria. Pest control: termites
- Queensland Building and Construction Commission. Protect against termites: termite management systems and inspections
- Standards Australia. Australian Standards (AS 3660 termite management, AS 4349.3 timber pest inspection)
- Australian Building Codes Board. National Construction Code