PEST INSPECTIONS

	Termites (also known as white-ants) are all over Australia causing millions of dollars damage to homes everywhere they can find food.  The problem is so bad that insurance companies will not cover termite damage in your home.  This means that if you house is infected with termites, you are going to have pay to have them removed and to have the damage repaired.
	Wood borers are insects which damage wood by tunneling at the larval (grub) stage for food or leaving an emergence hole on the surface of the wood after becoming an adult (beetle). These emergence holes ('pin holes') are quite visible and are usually the first signs of an active infestation of wood borer.

Termite Species and Information

Click here for more information about termite species...

In Areas - Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Upper & Lower Hunter Valley, Port Stephens and Upper & Lower Central Coast

Timber Pest Inspections AS 4349.3-1998

Scope

This Standard sets out the minimum acceptable requirements for visual inspection and reporting on the activity of timber pests.
Timber pests that damage timber specifically include subterranean and dampwood termites, borers of seasoned timber and wood decay fungi.
The purpose of a timber pest inspection in a building is to assess the following:
(a) Evidence of timber pests.
(b) Severity of damage caused by timber pests.
(c) Susceptibility of building to infestation by timber pests.
(d) Remedial and protective measures required.
(e) Further investigations required.
NOTE:
1 This Standard does not require inspection and reports on drywood termites due to the extreme difficulty in locating the small colonies. Where they are commonly encountered, the report should advise that a special purpose report may be necessary.
2 Regular, competent inspections are strongly recommended, at least on an annual basis. Where justified, more frequent inspections may be recommended, e.g. in situations considered more conducive to timber pest infestation.

Application

This Standard is for use by pest controllers, prospective purchasers, property owners and managers, building surveyors/inspectors, building consultants, architects and others who provide timber pest reports on properties. Purchasers of properties may request an inspection and report carried out in accordance with this Standard.
This Standard applies to all classes of buildings, as described in the Building Code of Australia.
NOTE: For types of timber see Appendix A.

Abstract

This Standard specifies the minimum acceptable requirements for visual inspection and reporting on the activity of timber pests excluding dry wood termites for both pre and post purchase timber pest reports on properties. It applies to all classes of buildings, as described in the Building Code of Australia. It is for use by pest controllers, prospective purchasers, property owners and managers, building surveyors/inspectors, building consultants, architects and others who provide services in this area.

Consumer Protection Advice

Pest Management or Fumigation 

Pest Managers Association of Australia

Pest Profiles-Anobiid beetles in timber-QLD

Pest Profiles-Ants in timber-QLD

Pest Profiles-Bed Bugs

Pest Profiles-Borers and the Householder-QLD

Pest Profiles-Cockroaches

Pest Profiles-Drywood termites-QLD

Pest Profiles-Fabric Pests

Pest Profiles-Fire Ants

Pest Profiles-Powderpost beetles in timber-QLD

Pest Profiles-Rodents

Pest Profiles-Spiders Fact Sheet

Pest Profiles-Termites

Subterranean termite baiting systems

Subterranean termite infestation in buildings-QLD

Subterranean termites-QLD

"Licensing requirements for timber pest inspectors
vary from State to State"

BE CAREFUL there is no State Government Licensing in Australia of timber pest inspectors other than in Queensland. Anyone can set up business and operate as a Timber Pest Inspector in Australia (excepting Queensland). If you are buying a home be extra careful in your selection process.

The Inspector must be

1. Competent and experienced in identifying the different species of termites and other timber destroying pests.

2. Be fully insured in all areas relevant to Pest Inspections.

Ask questions and seek proof of the competency of the Pest Inspector.