A termite inspection is a systematic evaluation of a property performed by a licensed pest control technician to detect the presence of termites, assess any damage they may have caused, and identify conditions that could attract future infestations. Termite inspections are typically governed by national or regional standards that outline the methodology and reporting requirements for timber pest inspections, such as NPMA-33 (National Pest Management Association) in the United States or equivalent standards in other countries.
Why Termite Inspections Matter
Termites cause billions of dollars in property damage worldwide each year. In the United States alone, the EPA estimates annual termite damage exceeds $5 billion, and most standard home insurance policies do not cover termite damage. The situation is similar across many countries. Regular inspections are the primary defence against costly structural repairs.
What the Inspection Covers
A thorough termite inspection examines all accessible areas of the property including the interior, exterior, roof void, subfloor (where accessible), garage, fences, and outbuildings. The inspector looks for live termites, mudding and shelter tubes, damaged or hollow-sounding timber, moisture conditions, and any construction details that increase termite risk such as inadequate clearance between soil and timber framing.
Inspection Methods
Modern termite inspections often combine visual assessment with technology-assisted detection. Thermal imaging cameras can identify temperature anomalies caused by termite activity behind walls. Moisture meters detect elevated moisture levels that may indicate concealed infestations. Termatrac radar devices can detect movement within wall cavities without any physical disturbance.
Recommended Frequency
Industry best practice recommends annual termite inspections for all properties, with more frequent inspections in high-risk areas or where previous activity has been identified. Properties with known termite history, or those located in areas with high termite pressure, may benefit from six-monthly inspections.