Termite Inspections: Every Year or Every 5 Years?

This article talks about the possible costs associated with both options with an example of two houses and a checklist.

 

The real cost of a yearly versus a five-yearly termite inspection is presented.

In most situations when I am called to inspect for termite damage, the damage has been there for more than a year already. For example, if one sees thin traces of mud behind the gutter, or when tapping the skirting, you’ll hear the sound of hollowness.

Lots of people often wonder if they should be booking one inspection every year or if they can do so once in five years. I have been in pest control business in Sydney for over 25 years now, so I am leaning towards the former. Here are some figures.

Here are the highlights

·         Termites can do their work for months unnoticed.

·         Australian guidelines state that inspections should be done at least once a year and more often when the risk is higher.

·         Most homeowners’ insurances do not cover any losses due to termites.

·         Skipping inspections may seem like saving money but it leads to bigger costs in the long run.

Looking at the example of Sam and Yasmin.

Here is an example of a fictional character who is a client. I have used several jobs I saw in Sydney along with numbers in my example.

Sam and Yasmin live in a two-storey brick-and-timber house in the Sutherland Shire built in the 1990s. The house has a plant box at the rear.

Once Sam purchased the house he arranged for the inspection and did not pay any more attention to it. In year three, he notices that the back door is sticking and assumes it is due to the humidity. At the end of five years, he decides to organize a second inspection as he plans to sell the house. The inspector hits the door frame and comes to the conclusion that the house is totally hollow.

Yasmin, meanwhile, organizes the inspections each spring. In the third year, her inspector observes a small mud pipe behind the downpipe. The colony remains tiny and is treated the same week, with the small section of the skirting board being replaced.

Identical homes located in the same suburb. Yasmin discovers in year 3. Sam, in year 5.

How the figures add up:

For illustration purposes only; actual costs may vary according to the type of building and intensity of treatment.

In Yasmin’s case, in total – 5 inspections at $300 each = $1,500; and an earlier-treatment bill of $2,500 plus about $500 of the skirting; the grand total=$4,500.

In Sam’s case, one inspection at $300, treatment of an already established colony may cost $3,500 or more, and damages can cost anything from $10,000 to $25,000 depending on the seriousness of the infestation – total = $14,000-$29,000.

Sam saved close to $1,200 by avoiding inspections. In addition, most insurance companies do not cover losses sustained as a result of termite damage, so Sam will have to pay for any repairs out of his own pocket.

Why five years is too long.

The fact that termites consume timber from the inside implies that the structural framing of the house may not be affected at all, even though it may appear quite fine in the future. A small nest that got established in January may produce big problems by the following summer. Barriers do not work forever, and various landscaping projects or renovations can ruin them.

Gardens are also meant to change. Some new garden bed or paving can cover the edge of the slab where mud tubes are usually seen. On top of that, there is also the neighbor’s house to conside

Must homeowners who own specific types of properties get annual inspections done?

That would be a yes for the majority of them. This is especially true if their structures have any of the following:

·         Timber framing, a subfloor, or timber decking.

·         Garden beds next to the house.

·         Trees or large tree stumps nearby.

·         History of termites on the property.

·         Reserved lands or woodlands behind the property.

Not sure of how vulnerable your house is to termite attacks? A good inspector will let you know.

Things to watch for in between inspections

Regular site visits of your house every few months should detect the following signs:

·         Thin mud tubes on the inner sides of the walls or pillars.

·         Door frames, skirting boards, or window sills that make hollow sounds when tapped.

·         Peeling of paint on occasionally damp wall areas.

Getting the following done will give you the peace of mind you deserve while waiting for the professionals to arrive:

·         Inspecting the house for any signs of clogged drain pipes or guttering.

·         Taking a look at the wood piles or wood shavings near the building.

Leave mud tubes alone if you see them. Don’t spray or remove them; that forces the colony to relocate. Take a photo and contact a qualified pest controller in Sydney.

How to pick an inspector

When booked, confirm that the technician is licensed, is trained in termite identification and operates in line with Australian Standards. Insist on an official report and pictures. Ask what parts of your home they couldn’t reach; there is always something, such as a wall covered by a wardrobe or a roof space that can’t be accessed.

The best inspector can tell you where your highest risk is and how to proceed. Using someone from your area is also helpful as they know how termites behave in the local soil and climate conditions and how houses in your neighborhood are constructed.

FAQ

How often should I get a termite inspection?

Once a year at a minimum. Australian guidelines state that the frequency of inspections should increase if the structure is prone to infestation.

Does home insurance cover for termite damage?

Most insurance policies do not cover termite damage. It is advisable for the insurance policy holder to check their specific policy to check the existence of coverage to avoid surprises.

Can you inspect for termites by yourself?

It’s good to keep your eyes open for signs of termites yourself, but it’s not enough. Experts have specialized tools and training to uncover hidden signs.

What if I have never had an inspection?

Get one as soon as possible. It’s the best way to know of the condition of your property. It will cost a lot less than finding out the hard way.

About the author: Michael Hession. Owner of Pestfix Pest control which is doing pest control in Sydney.