A Step-by-Step Guide for Australian Homeowners
Termites are one of the most destructive pests in Australia, silently causing over $1.5 billion in damage annually to homes and properties. Given the high risk and the fact that most insurance policies don’t cover termite damage, routine termite inspections are critical.
Whether it’s your first time booking a termite inspection or part of your annual maintenance routine, proper preparation can make a big difference. A well-prepared home allows the pest inspector to do a more thorough job, increases the chances of early detection, and may even save you time and money in the long run.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prepare your home for a termite inspection, what inspectors look for, and how to make the process as smooth and effective as possible.
Why Preparation Matters
A termite inspection is a detailed visual examination of your home, including areas you don’t normally see—such as the roof void, subfloor, walls, and garden perimeter. Licensed inspectors are trained to detect signs of:
- Live termites
- Termite mud tubes
- Hollow or damaged timber
- Moisture buildup
- Poor drainage or timber-to-soil contact
To conduct a thorough inspection, professionals need clear access to key areas of your home. The more accessible your property is, the more effective the inspection will be.
Step 1: Clear Access to the Subfloor (If Applicable)
If your home has a raised foundation or timber flooring with a subfloor cavity, this is one of the most important areas to inspect for termite activity.
What to Do:
- Remove any stored items, boxes, or debris blocking access points.
- Make sure manholes or crawl space entry points are unlocked or unsealed.
- If your subfloor is difficult to reach, advise the inspector beforehand so they can bring the appropriate tools.
Tip: Termites love dark, damp, and hidden areas—so subfloors are a common hotspot for infestations.
Step 2: Prepare the Roof Void and Ceiling Access
Another key area is the roof cavity, especially around timber beams and insulation.
What to Do:
- Ensure your manhole or attic hatch is unobstructed and easy to open.
- Move any furniture or storage that’s directly under the manhole.
- If the access point is in a wardrobe or cupboard, clear it out.
Inspectors often use ladders, so having at least 1–2 metres of clearance beneath the entry point is ideal.
Step 3: Move Furniture Away from Walls
Termite inspections involve checking skirting boards, window sills, and lower wall timbers for damage or mud tubes.
What to Do:
- Move large furniture items like couches, beds, or bookcases at least 50–60 cm away from the walls.
- This gives inspectors room to kneel and visually inspect timber along baseboards and architraves.
- Focus especially on rooms with timber floors or exposed wooden trims.
While you don’t need to clear every room entirely, improving visibility around key timber areas is helpful.
Step 4: Declutter External Areas
The exterior of your home is just as important, particularly the perimeter and garden areas.
What to Do:
- Remove stored timber, firewood, or mulch that’s against your home’s walls.
- Trim back any vegetation or shrubs growing close to the structure.
- Clear debris or soil away from weeping holes or vents in brickwork.
- Ensure garden sheds, pergolas, and fences are accessible, especially if made of wood.
Tip: Termites often enter homes from the outside, so easy access to external walls and structures is essential.
Step 5: Empty Under-Sink Cabinets and Wet Areas
Since termites are drawn to moisture, areas near plumbing are prime inspection zones.
What to Do:
- Clear out cupboards under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
- Remove cleaning supplies, toiletries, or bins that block visibility.
- If your laundry has plumbing behind or below cabinetry, try to create space for inspection.
Leaky taps, poor ventilation, or condensation in these areas may also be flagged as risk factors.
Step 6: Inform the Inspector About Past Treatments or Issues
If you’ve had previous termite treatments, infestations, or moisture issues, let the inspector know in advance.
Provide Details Like:
- The date and type of any termite treatment (chemical barrier, baiting system, etc.)
- Areas where activity was previously found
- Any repairs done to timber or structures
- If you have an active termite monitoring system
This helps the inspector prioritise certain areas and understand your home’s pest history.
Step 7: Secure Pets
For safety and efficiency, ensure dogs, cats, or other pets are secured during the inspection.
What to Do:
- Keep pets in a locked room, garage, or off-site during the visit.
- Let the inspector know if there are pets in the yard or any indoor enclosures that may obstruct access.
Inspectors may need to leave gates open or access roof spaces and garages—so having pets safely secured prevents interruptions and stress.
Step 8: Be Present or Available
While you don’t necessarily need to hover during the inspection, being home or contactable is helpful.
Benefits of Being Available:
- You can point out any areas of concern.
- The inspector can ask questions or request access to locked or hidden areas.
- You’ll receive immediate feedback after the inspection is done.
Expect a termite inspection to take 60–90 minutes, depending on the size and layout of your home.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Inspection
- Book in advance, especially during warmer months when demand is high.
- Ask the company if they provide a written report and how soon you’ll receive it.
- Enquire about thermal imaging or moisture detection tools if you suspect hidden issues.
- Don’t wait for signs of damage—by the time termites become visible, extensive structural harm may already be done.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home for a termite inspection is a small but important step in protecting your property from one of Australia’s most destructive pests. By following these simple preparation tips, you’ll ensure a more thorough inspection, help the inspector access critical areas, and increase the chances of early termite detection.
Termite inspections should be done at least once a year, or every 6 months in high-risk zones like Queensland and northern NSW. Prevention and early action are key to avoiding expensive repairs down the track.
