Termites, sometimes called "silent destroyers," can wreak havoc on a building's framework, causing expensive repairs or permanent damage in extreme circumstances. Termites can have a huge monetary impact; the yearly cost of termite damage to buildings worldwide is billions.
The main goal of a termite inspection is to find evidence of termite activity and evaluate the property's state, including any areas that could be infested again. Termites can do a lot of damage, so these checks can help people find them early on and save a lot of money on fixes. It's not enough to find termites that are already there; you also need to find places where they might come back in the future.
Termites can hide and cause damage that is hard to see, so inspectors use specialised instruments and technology to find and evaluate termite infestations. A property's full investigation is facilitated by various equipment, ranging from basic visual aids to complex detecting systems. Each tool has a distinct role. This blog post discusses termite inspection equipment and why it's crucial to your property's well-being.
What You Need to Know About Termite Inspection
Termite inspections are comprehensive assessments that seek to detect the existence of termites, evaluate any damage they might have done, and identify potential entry points for future infestations. Extensive knowledge of termite behaviour and habitats, along with a sharp eye and specialised equipment, are necessary for these investigations.
What A Termite Inspection Should Do?
The main reasons for a termite check are:
- Detecting Termite Activity: Finding termites in their natural habitat or detecting their droppings, mud tubes, and damaged wood.
- Assessing Damage: figuring out how bad the Damage to the building caused by termites is. This means checking to see if any wood parts of the building are becoming less stable.
- Identifying Risk Factors: Identifying environmental factors that increase the likelihood of termite infestations, such as proximity of wood to the ground, high levels of wetness, and thick vegetation around the building.
- Providing Recommendations: Giving help on how to fix Damage caused by termites, fixing conditions that encourage them to live there, and suggesting ways to keep the property safe from future infestations.
What is the best way to get rid of termites?
For termites that have made their homes underground, there are a few different alternatives for treatment:
Chemical therapy is one of the standard treatment options. A subterranean termite chemical treatment aims to create a continuous termiticide barrier between the termite colony—typically located in the soil—and timber in a building. One successful treatment technique is termite barriers.
- Another popular way to eliminate underground termites is to use in-ground baiting systems. Putting cellulose (wood) bait stations in specific places around the outside of the house is part of a subterranean termite baiting system.
- Termite treatment costs can range from relatively low to quite high, depending on property size, infestation severity, and treatment type.
Signs of Termite Infestation
Knowing the signs of a termite problem is important for quickly finding and getting rid of them. Damaged wood, mud shelter tubes (built by termites to hide from predators), and wasted wings from alates (winged members) are all signs of termites. This means that there is a busy colony that needs help right away.
Damaged Timber
Termites may hide in wood if tapping or knocking on it produces a hollow sound. These insects may have also left behind hollow spots in the wood. The strength of wood weakened by termites is usually lower than that of uninfested wood or wood weakened by other pests.
Mud Shelter Tubes
Termites build mud shelter tubes out of wood. These tubes look like tunnels and protect the termites from enemies and the outside world. During this process, dirt, pieces of wood, saliva, and termites' waste are mixed to make closed paths and have a humid atmosphere that is good for foraging termites. Regular checks are needed to find any live colonies that might be causing problems so that the right steps can be taken immediately.
Discarded Wings
Alates, sometimes known as winged termites, may often leave their wings in a home as a hint that they are searching for a new place to establish a colony. These things can mean you have a termite problem in your yard. To identify active pests and implement treatments promptly, it is important to conduct inspections regularly. Termite damage around doors, windows, patios, and other areas can indicate a problem in the present day.
Termite Technology: Why Use It?
Termite technology can identify additional indications behind walls visible to a qualified and licenced timber pest inspector. While some technology detects moisture, termite activity, or a heat cluster, others detect falling debris and gentle timers. Additional devices are typically used during termite inspections to increase the likelihood of live termites being active with the least damage to the property. At worst, an inexperienced inspector may tear down wall sheeting to discover only ant activity or, worse, no activity.
What Tools Are Used For Termite Inspections?
Remember that only some Pest inspectors on the Gold Coast offer the same level of service whether you need a Termite Inspection for your home or a Building & Pest Inspection for your first purchase. In evaluating cost-benefit, it is essential to always compare like products. A variety of tools and gadgets can be utilised, as follows:
Tapper And Sounding Device
The Timber Pest Inspector employs this sounding instrument to conduct termite inspections, as the name implies. They will "tap" as much timber as possible around the home with light, fast-hitting, looking for timbers that sound like paper and listening for any debris that may have fallen.
Hand Or Head Torch
When we do Termite Inspections, we need a white lighthead or hand torch because homes have a lot of dark spots where termites like to hide. Taking the head torch and hand torch into dark places like garages, subfloors, and roof voids helps us see all the cracks and crevices more clearly and do a more complete inspection. When we look for termites with our eyes, a white light is much easier to see than a yellow light.
Screwdriver
You may be wondering why a screwdriver is being talked about here. We use a screwdriver to lift a clean, smooth line on the carpet. We also use the screwdriver to check the trees and stumps on the outside of the land.
Moisture Meter
To ensure the wall is dry, a moisture metre is utilised. The wall is considered dry if the reading is less than 10; ideally, it should be at most 15. Termites' tunnels contain water, which they utilise continuously for their job; this water might seep through the drywall and register on our moisture detector, which is why this inspection is necessary.
When conducting an inspection, a termite inspector must only look in the following places: behind toilets, under laundry and kitchen sinks, and in the rear of bathrooms. But we inspect everything thoroughly, exceeding even the most basic standards.
Thermal Imaging Camera
An infrared camera picks up infrared energy and heat and turns it into a thermal picture that the Timber Pest Inspector sees on a video monitor. When used by a Pest Inspector, these cameras can help find pests, nests, and other potential problems. Like the Termatrac Device, the FLIR C3 Thermal Imaging Camera that we use doesn't get in the way.
The intended applications of the thermal imaging camera are:
- Within Structures
- if there is a fair amount of dryness
- where the temperature is comparatively cool
Using the thermal imaging camera, the pest inspector can assist with:
- Termites
- Rodents
- Moisture
- Potential Problems
As you may have read or been told, thermal imaging cameras can only pick up heat signals. They can't let the pest inspector see through walls and into walls. It is also important to remember that other heat sources, such as
- Warm Weather
- Wet Environment
- Connecting Electrical Devices
- The play of sunlight on a wall
Some cameras are different. People think FLIR is the best in the business because of its accurate and quality thermal images. That's why we use them at LessPest More Control.
Radar Detection
We check through masonry, bricks, timber, plaster, and boards using Termatrac and radar technologies without causing harm or letting termites know we're there. Australians are the ones who designed and invented this technology.
The Termatrac T3i, which we employ, has combined the three essential technologies needed to professionally and efficiently identify, locate, and confirm the presence of termites. It has completely changed the way professional termite detection is done. Our cutting-edge termite detection radar, an advanced remote thermal sensor with a laser guide, and an advanced moisture sensor are all patented by Termatrac. We use them as necessary.
Borescope Camera
A bendable tube on a borescope or "inspection camera" lets you enter tight or hard-to-reach places. A light on the end of the insertion tube lets us take videos or still pictures deep inside the space, which is very helpful for our checks.
Since a tiny amount of wall damage is required to insert the camera, prior arrangement with the property owner is required if we determine that this specialist inspection is essential. An invasive inspection, which is what this is, will also save you more money.
Expectations for a Professional Termite Inspection
To keep termites at bay, it is crucial to have an expert inspect the property. As part of this thorough examination, a professional inspector will look for evidence of these pests' presence, analyse any damage they may have done, and identify any areas that could be vulnerable to further infestations. The size and complexity of the building determine how long the assessment takes.
Details regarding any inspected places that might be vulnerable to attack should be included in the outcome. When appropriate, guide appropriate preventive treatment alternatives in addition to the examination's results.
Checked Out Areas
To find out if a house has termites, testers have to look in certain places, like the subfloor, roof voids, door frames, and crawl spaces, for signs of pests. It's also important to look outside the house, including the skirting boards, for signs of termite activity like wood damage or mud tubes.
Considering the favourable environmental conditions is critical while conducting an outdoor assessment. Colonies from nearby trees can be easily triggered by difficulties like excessively overgrown vegetation near exterior walls, leaking inside drains, etc.
Tools And Techniques
Termite inspections often need tools like borescopes, moisture meters, thermal image cameras, and sound devices. These are used to look at a place and find signs that termites might exist. Many people also like the Termatrac because it accurately measures direct and relative humidity levels during a check. These cameras can see through walls because they have infrared technology built in. Professionals often use sounding tools to find pests by tapping on woodwork. A skilled inspector will also use what he sees to help him look over the property.
Qualifications Of The Inspector
To work as a professional termite inspector, one needs to have the right education, license, and apprenticeship experience under a licenced inspector. Experts in the field obtain training in the biology of termites, how to identify them, the patterns of their activity, management methods, and all things about building construction.
Two years of relevant work experience is usually required of the ideal applicant. Gaining a better grasp of local species characteristics, such as habitats or indications that accurately identify their presence, is preferable so that they can implement appropriate solutions, such as treatments and preventative techniques.
Conclusion
Termite inspections are essential for finding possible entrance points for future infestations, assessing termite-caused damage, detecting termite activity, and making recommendations for repairing damage. To locate and assess termite infestations, inspectors employ specialised tools and technologies, which can range from simple visual aids to intricate detection systems.
A termite check is primarily performed to detect termite activity, evaluate damage, identify risk factors, and offer recommendations for repairing termite-caused damage. Termites that have established underground colonies can be treated with in-ground baiting devices and chemical therapy.
A termite infestation is indicated by termite-damaged wood, mud shelter tubes, and alate-waste wings. If you tap or bang on a piece of damaged wood, you can find it. Termites use mud shelter tubes to keep out predators and the outside world. In order to quickly identify active pests and apply treatments, routine inspections are required.
Termite technology can detect other signs of termites that are hidden behind walls and apparent to a licenced and certified timber pest inspector. In order to maximise the possibility of finding live termites while causing the least amount of property damage, additional equipment are usually utilised during termite inspections.
A screwdriver, a white lighthead or head torch, and a tapping and sounding instrument are tools used for termite inspections. The tapping and sounding gadget is useful in locating timbers that produce a papery sound and in listening for any possible fallen debris. Compared to a yellow light, the head torch and hand torch provide a clearer view of cracks and fissures, making them easier to locate.
A wall can be classified as dry if its moisture metre reading is less than 10. The termite inspector needs to search places like the backs of bathrooms, behind kitchen and laundry sinks, and behind toilets. Similar to the FLIR C3 Thermal Imaging Camera, the thermal imaging camera records heat and infrared radiation to assist in identifying any issues, pests, and nests. The Termatrac T3i is a state-of-the-art moisture sensor, remote heat sensor with a laser guide, and termite detecting radar.
A bendable tube on a borescope called a borescope camera makes it possible to examine hard-to-reach places in great detail. Analysing damage, locating locations that are prone to infestations, and recommending preventive treatment options are all part of the inspection process. The amount of time needed for the assessment depends on the building's size and complexity.
Tools including borescopes, moisture metres, thermal imaging cameras, and sound devices, are frequently used during termite examinations. Because of its infrared technology and precise humidity levels, the Termatrac is recommended. Sounding tools are frequently used to tap on woodwork to locate pests.
The appropriate training, licencing, and apprenticeship experience under a licenced inspector are prerequisites for employment as a professional termite inspector. Termite biology, identification, activity patterns, management techniques, and building construction are among the subjects covered in training for experts in the sector. Usually, two years of relevant job experience are needed.
Content Summary
- Termites, often unnoticed, can cause severe damage to buildings, resulting in costly repairs or irreversible destruction.
- Worldwide, termites account for billions in damage to buildings annually.
- A termite inspection aims to detect termite presence, assess damage, and identify future infestation risks.
- Early detection through inspections can save significant amounts on repairs.
- Inspectors use specialised tools and technologies to uncover hidden termite infestations.
- Understanding termite behaviour and habitats is crucial for effective inspections.
- Termite inspections help in identifying environmental factors that could lead to infestations.
- Recommendations post-inspection can guide property maintenance to prevent future termite problems.
- Chemical treatments and baiting systems are common methods for controlling subterranean termites.
- The cost of termite treatment varies based on the property size, infestation severity, and chosen treatment method.
- Signs of termite infestation include damaged wood, mud tubes, and discarded wings.
- Damaged timber may sound hollow when tapped, indicating termite activity.
- Mud shelter tubes protect termites from predators and maintain a moist environment.
- Discarded wings from alates suggest an active colony seeking to establish itself.
- Termite technology enables inspectors to detect signs of infestation beyond visible areas.
- Tappers and sounding devices are used to identify hollow-sounding timber, indicating termite damage.
- A white light torch helps inspectors see in dark areas where termites might hide.
- Screwdrivers are utilised for probing wood and inspecting external trees and stumps.
- Moisture meters detect damp walls, which could indicate termite tunnels.
- Thermal imaging cameras can identify heat signatures associated with termite activity.
- Termite inspections must cover all potential hiding spots, including behind appliances and in dark spaces.
- Radar detection tools like Termatrac can locate termites without causing property damage.
- Borescope cameras allow for visual inspection in hard-to-reach areas, though they may require minor wall damage for insertion.
- A professional termite inspection encompasses a thorough examination of the property for signs of termites, assessing damage, and identifying risk areas.
- Inspections should cover both the interior and exterior of the property, including subfloors and roof voids.
- Outdoor assessments consider environmental conditions that could encourage termite infestations.
- Tools such as borescopes, moisture meters, and thermal imaging cameras are crucial for thorough inspections.
- Termite inspections rely on a combination of visual inspection and technology to identify hidden problems.
- A qualified termite inspector needs education, licensing, and experience to effectively conduct inspections.
- Training in termite biology, identification, and treatment is essential for inspectors.
- Experience under a licensed inspector is valuable for developing expertise in termite detection.
- Inspectors must be familiar with local termite species to identify and treat infestations effectively.
- Termite inspections can prevent extensive damage and save homeowners significant repair costs.
- Regular inspections are advised to keep properties safe from termite damage.
- Environmental factors like wood-to-ground contact and moisture levels are assessed during inspections.
- Professional recommendations post-inspection help in mitigating termite risks.
- The severity of termite damage can vary, affecting the stability of timber structures.
- Identifying potential entry points for termites is a critical aspect of inspections.
- Inspectors use their expertise to provide tailored advice on preventing future infestations.
- The choice of termite treatment method depends on the specific needs and conditions of the property.
- In-ground baiting systems target termites with bait stations placed around the property.
- The effectiveness of termite barriers relies on creating a termiticide barrier around the building.
- Knowledge of termite signs enables quicker detection and response to infestations.
- Regularly inspecting for termites helps in maintaining the integrity of buildings.
- Advanced technologies like thermal imaging enhance the accuracy of termite inspections.
- Termite inspections are critical for both new home purchases and existing properties.
- Ensuring the qualifications of the termite inspector is crucial for a thorough and reliable inspection.
- The outcome of a termite inspection includes detailed findings and recommendations for action.
- Properly conducted termite inspections can identify both current and potential future termite challenges.
- Homeowners should prioritize termite inspections as part of regular property maintenance to safeguard against termite damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common tools used during a termite inspection include moisture meters, which help identify areas of excess moisture attractive to termites; acoustic emission detectors, which listen for the sound of termites within walls; thermal imaging cameras, which detect heat patterns caused by termite activity; and borescopes, flexible cameras that inspect hard-to-reach areas inside walls, floors, and ceilings. Additionally, inspectors use basic tools like flashlights, inspection mirrors, and probing tools to visually inspect and physically test areas for termite damage.
A thermal imaging camera helps in termite inspections by detecting variations in temperature within the structure's walls and floors. Termites generate heat and moisture as they build their colonies, creating a distinct thermal pattern that can be identified with a thermal imaging camera. This non-invasive tool allows inspectors to pinpoint areas of potential termite activity without needing to physically disturb the structure, making it an invaluable tool for early detection.
While some signs of termite activity, like visible mud tubes or wood damage, can be detected without specialised tools, many termite infestations occur in areas that are not visible or accessible without the use of specialised equipment. Tools like moisture meters, acoustic detectors, and thermal imaging cameras can identify termite activity that would otherwise go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Therefore, professional inspections using these tools are crucial for early detection and prevention.
A moisture meter is important in termite inspections because termites are attracted to moisture and are more likely to infest areas where moisture levels are high. By identifying areas of excessive moisture within a structure, a moisture meter can help inspectors pinpoint potential hotspots for termite activity. Addressing these moisture issues can be a vital step in preventing termite infestations and protecting the structure from further damage.
Termite inspections using tools like thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, and acoustic emission detectors are generally non-invasive and do not require drilling, cutting, or otherwise disrupting the property. Even when more invasive tools like borescopes are used, inspectors aim to minimise disruption. Most inspections are thorough yet designed to leave the property as undisturbed as possible, ensuring that homeowners can get a comprehensive assessment without significant inconvenience.