Termite Inspections Melbourne: Facts and Tips

Your home is the biggest investment you will ever make. Naturally, prior to building it, it is recommended that you carry out termite inspections. Termites or white ants can cause extensive damage to your home and belongings. In reality, the builder is responsible for providing termite inspection and protection. Even when you are considering some additions to your existing home, it is better that you know the different options available to you in this regard. This way you can make an informed decision regarding termite inspections in Melbourne.

There are more than 200 species of termites in Australia. The most commonly occurring species is the subterranean termites which build their colonies underneath the ground. They feed on timber, plastic, rubber, fibreglass and many other materials. They can cause extensive damage to windowsills, doorframes, paintings, furniture, carpets, electrical wirings, books, clothing and other personal items.

Termite Inspections Melbourne companies can help perform an initial inspection and suggest various methods of termite treatment and control. These include:

• Chemical and physical barriers
• Use of termite resistant materials
• Landscaping and structural changes

While choosing a reliable company for termite inspection, you must ensure that the company has Public and Professional Indemnity Insurance so that chemical treatments may be covered by the same. The company should also use latest inspection techniques and gadgets which include Sounding, for testing the integrity of the wood, Listening equipment that can detect termite movement, moisture meters, that help indicate presence of termites which require moisture for survival etc. Borescope like devices also help professionals take pictures of active termites. Others devices include ones which can detect moisture as well as thermal imaging techniques that detect thermal variations.

Annual termite inspection is recommended on properties that are prone to infestations from these pests. Termite barrier and other protection systems can detect them, but do not completely stop them from damaging your property. Many times homeowners relax in the knowledge that their termite protection barriers are in place, but, in reality, they might have been compromised. Hence annual inspections are very important.

Termite Inspections Melbourne reports give you a comprehensive summary that includes information regarding:

• current termite activity
• proof of previous termite damage
• conditions around the property that invite potential termite infestations
• advice on minimizing the risk of infestation
• how often homeowners must have termite inspection and
• options for control and prevention.

Pest inspection also needs to be varied based on the style of the property: whether it is built on concrete slab-on ground or suspended flooring. In addition, the inspection must include all potential entry to timber structures, around perimeter weepholes, examination of the site to see which barriers are appropriate etc. Termite Inspections Melbourne is something that every homeowner must think about NOW and never procrastinate about.