As a homeowner, few things are more worrying than the possibility of termites silently eating away at your home. Many homeowners wait until they see clear signs they need a termite inspection—but by then, the damage may already be done. Termites are a homeowner’s worst nightmare in Australia, and they cause millions of dollars in property damage every year. If you’re unsure when to schedule a termite inspection, you’re not alone.
In this guide, we’ll explain when to schedule a termite inspection and what warning signs you should look out for. By staying informed, you can better protect your home and avoid costly damage.
How Often Should You Have a Termite Inspection?
Typically, the frequency of a termite inspection should be done every 12 months, especially in areas with moderate termite activity. But if you’re in a high-risk area like Hobart or Southern Tasmania or live near Gumtrees, you may need those pest inspections every six months.
Regular pest inspections are important because termites can go unnoticed for years as they quietly damage the structure of your home. Without regular termite inspections, they can cause destruction that is both costly and difficult to repair.
How often you should schedule a termite inspection depends on a few things:
- High-risk areas
If you’re near large trees, water, or a wooded area, you may need more regular termite inspections.
- Building materials
Timber homes or those without a termite barrier are at higher risk.
- Water damage
Homes with leaks or flooding are more attractive to termites.
- Previous infestations
If you’ve had termites before, more frequent checks may be needed to prevent them from coming back.
Pro Tip: If your neighbours have had termites, it’s a good idea to arrange a pest inspection right away. Termites can easily move between properties, especially underground.
The Best Time of Year for a Termite Inspection
Termite inspections can be scheduled year-round, but winter is usually the best time to do it. During the cooler months, termites are closer to their nests, so it’s easier for professionals to track them down and treat them.
Why winter works well for termite inspections:
Reduced Activity
While termites stay active year-round, their movement slows down in winter. If termites stay closer to their nests, inspectors find locating and treating colonies easier.
Prevent Spring Issues
By scheduling a termite inspection in winter, you can get ahead of potential infestations before spring arrives. As the weather warms up, termites become more aggressive in their search for food. This makes them harder to manage and increases the risk of them spreading throughout your home.
Improved Treatment Outcomes
It’s more effective to treat termites before they become more active in the warmer months. Colonies are more concentrated during the winter, and that makes it easier to hit them directly and apply more focused treatments.
Spot Hidden Damage
Winter inspections give you a chance to uncover any termite damage that may have been missed during the busier months. If termites have been causing damage quietly, you can catch them early and take care of repairs before they affect your home’s structure.
That said, there’s no “wrong” time for a termite inspection. If it’s been more than a year since your last one, or if you’ve never had one at all, it’s a good idea to schedule it right away. Termites can cause damage year-round, and the longer you wait, the greater the chance of expensive repairs down the road.
Signs You Need a Termite Pest Inspection
Even with routine termite inspections, it’s smart to stay on the lookout for signs of termite activity between check-ups. Catching the signs early can help you act quickly before the problem gets worse. Here are some common signs of termites in your home:
- Hollow-sounding wood
If your wood sounds hollow when tapped, it might mean termites are inside.
- Mud tubes
Termites build small, tunnel-like tubes along walls or foundations to move between their nests and food.
- Frass
Termite droppings look like tiny piles of sawdust near infested areas.
- Warped doors or windows
If your doors or windows are sticking or hard to open, termites might be weakening the frames.
- Flying termites
If you see swarmers or find discarded wings around your home, it’s a sign termites are trying to start new colonies.
Pro Tip: Be especially alert for termites after heavy rain or flooding. Moisture attracts them, and damp areas are ideal for termites to settle in.
Termite Inspection Costs and Duration
Now that you’re familiar with the signs of termite activity, you might be wondering about the cost and time involved in scheduling an inspection. Here’s what you need to know to help you plan ahead.
How Much is a Termite Inspection?
The cost of a termite inspection in Hobart depends on your location and the size of your home. In Australia, termite inspections usually cost between $250 and $500. Larger or more complex homes may fall on the higher end of the price range.
Although it might seem like a lot, it’s a small cost compared to the expensive repairs termite damage can cause. But, of course, it can depend on your location and the risk factors around your home.
How Long Does a Termite Inspection Take?
The time it takes for a termite inspection is usually 1 to 2 hours, depending on how big and how complicated your home is. Pest inspectors will look at the foundation, walls, crawl spaces and any outside structures such as fences.
Protect Your Home: Schedule a Building Inspection Today
At Fearless Building Inspections, we don’t offer pest inspections directly, but we know how important it is to protect your home from termites and other pests. That’s why we recommend combining a termite inspection with your pre-purchase building inspection when acquiring a new home or when doing a home renovation. A building and pest inspection gives you peace of mind, knowing your home is structurally sound and termite-free.
If you’re ready to protect your home, contact us today to schedule your Hobart building inspection. We will give you the confidence that your home will be protected for years to come.