Termite Inspection Checklist
A complete guide to what a thorough termite inspection covers — subfloor, roof void, slab, interior, and exterior. Based on Australian Standard AS 4349.3 and SRM's ethical inspection standards.
What a Thorough Termite Inspection Covers
A compliant AS 4349.3 termite inspection is not a quick walk-through. It covers five distinct areas of your property, uses specialist equipment, and produces a detailed written report. Here's exactly what should be checked — and what to expect from a professional inspection.
Subfloor Inspection
Subfloor access is often limited in older homes. Any inaccessible areas must be documented in the inspection report per AS 4349.3. Do not assume inaccessible areas are clear.
Inspect all accessible subfloor timbers for termite activity and damage
Check for mud tubes on piers, bearers, joists, and stumps
Probe all timber with a sharp instrument to detect hollowing
Inspect subfloor ventilation — poor airflow increases moisture and termite risk
Check for moisture accumulation, leaking pipes, and drainage issues
Inspect any stored timber, cardboard, or cellulose material in subfloor
Check condition of existing chemical barrier (if present)
Document any areas of limited or no access with photos
Use moisture meter to identify high-moisture zones
Use thermal imaging camera to detect hidden activity behind linings
Roof Void Inspection
Roof void access is often restricted by insulation batts. Inspectors must not disturb insulation in a way that creates a safety hazard. All inaccessible areas must be noted in the report.
Inspect all accessible roof void timbers — rafters, purlins, top plates, and ceiling joists
Check for mud tubes on timber framing and masonry
Inspect around any roof penetrations — pipes, vents, skylights
Check condition of roof sarking and insulation for termite damage
Inspect around air conditioning units and ducting (moisture source)
Check for evidence of previous termite activity or old workings
Use thermal imaging to detect activity behind plasterboard ceiling
Document any areas of limited or no access with photos
Check for rodent activity, nesting, or droppings (secondary pest risk)
Inspect around any timber stored in roof void
Slab & Perimeter Inspection
Waffle pod slabs are particularly high risk — the polystyrene pods provide ideal termite harbourage and the slab edge is often obscured by garden beds. Extra vigilance is required on all waffle pod slab homes.
Inspect all slab edges and weep holes for mud tubes
Check around all pipe penetrations through slab for termite entry
Inspect expansion joints and construction joints in slab
Check condition of any physical termite barrier (Granitgard, Termimesh, etc.)
Inspect garden beds, mulch, and soil contact with slab edge
Check for soil bridging over chemical barrier zone
Inspect around hot water systems, air conditioning condensate drains
Check all internal slab areas — bathrooms, laundry, kitchen (moisture zones)
Inspect around any timber in contact with or close to slab
Document slab type (waffle pod, raft, strip footing) for risk assessment
Interior Inspection
Termite activity inside walls is often invisible until damage is severe. Thermal imaging and moisture meters are essential tools — not optional extras. Any inspector not using these tools is not meeting best practice.
Inspect all internal walls — tap and probe skirting boards and door frames
Check all wet areas — bathrooms, laundry, kitchen for moisture and termite activity
Inspect around all internal pipe penetrations
Check built-in wardrobes, cupboards, and storage areas
Inspect under floor coverings where accessible (carpet edges, tiles)
Use thermal imaging on all internal walls in high-risk zones
Check window frames, door frames, and architraves for damage
Inspect any internal timber columns, posts, or structural elements
Check around fireplace hearths and chimneys
Document any cosmetic damage that may conceal termite workings
Exterior & Garden Inspection
Garden beds with timber mulch directly against the building are one of the most common termite entry points. Homeowners should maintain a 150mm clearance between mulch/soil and the building structure.
Inspect all timber fencing, retaining walls, and garden structures
Check all trees within 50m of the building for termite activity
Inspect timber decking, pergolas, and outdoor structures
Check garden beds — remove mulch to inspect soil surface
Inspect any timber stored on the ground (firewood, sleepers, etc.)
Check stumps, dead roots, and buried timber
Inspect letterbox, garden edging, and any timber in contact with soil
Check irrigation systems for leaks creating moisture near building
Inspect garage, shed, and outbuildings
Document any conducive conditions (soil contact, moisture, harbourage)
Our Commitment to Ethical Inspections
A termite inspection is only valuable if it's honest, thorough, and compliant. Here's what we commit to on every inspection.
BE ETHICAL — DON'T MISS
Every inspection must be thorough and honest. If termite activity is found, it must be reported clearly — even if the news is unwelcome. Homeowners deserve accurate information to make informed decisions.
Comprehensive Written Reports
Every inspection produces a detailed written report with photos, documenting all areas inspected, all areas not inspected (and why), any findings, and recommended actions. Verbal-only reports are not acceptable.
AS 4349.3 Compliance
All SRM inspections comply with Australian Standard AS 4349.3 — Inspection of Buildings: Timber Pest Inspections. This is the minimum legal standard for termite inspections in NSW.
Thermal Imaging & Moisture Meters
We use thermal imaging cameras and calibrated moisture meters on every inspection — not just in high-risk areas. These tools detect hidden activity that visual inspection alone cannot find.
No Misleading Claims
We do not make misleading claims about pest activity, treatment necessity, or urgency. Our recommendations are based on evidence found during inspection, not sales targets.
Consumer Protection
All SRM inspections comply with NSW Fair Trading requirements and Australian Consumer Law. Homeowners have the right to a clear, accurate report and honest advice.
What Your Inspection Report Includes
AS 4349.3 Compliant Report
- All areas inspected — with photos
- All areas NOT inspected — with reasons
- Any termite activity found — species, extent, location
- Any conducive conditions identified
- Risk assessment for the property
- Recommended treatment or management actions
- Limitations of the inspection
- Inspector's licence number and signature
Warranty & Guarantee Notes
- Inspection warranty covers the inspection process and report accuracy
- Treatment warranties vary by product — Termidor HE carries a 10-year structural warranty
- Baiting system warranties require annual monitoring visits
- Physical barrier warranties depend on installation quality and maintenance
- All warranties are voided by homeowner modifications to the barrier zone
- Annual re-inspection is required to maintain warranty validity
- Written warranty documentation provided on completion
- Claims process explained clearly at time of treatment
Sydney's Highest-Risk Suburbs for Termites
These suburbs have elevated termite risk due to bushland proximity, older housing stock, and soil conditions. Annual inspections are strongly recommended.
Termite Inspection FAQs
A thorough termite inspection covers five key areas: subfloor (if accessible), roof void (if accessible), slab and perimeter, interior of all rooms, and exterior including garden structures and trees. The inspector uses visual inspection, probing, thermal imaging, and moisture meters. The inspection must comply with AS 4349.3 and produce a written report.
A thorough termite inspection of a standard Sydney home takes 1.5–2.5 hours. Larger homes, homes with difficult access, or homes with suspected activity may take longer. Be wary of inspections completed in under an hour — they are unlikely to be thorough.
AS 4349.3 is the Australian Standard for Timber Pest Inspections. It sets the minimum requirements for how termite inspections must be conducted, what must be inspected, what must be reported, and how limitations must be documented. All licensed pest inspectors in NSW must comply with this standard.
AS 3660.1 is the Australian Standard for Termite Management — New Building Work. It sets requirements for termite management systems installed during construction, including chemical barriers, physical barriers, and monitoring systems. AS 3660.2 covers existing buildings.
A waffle pod slab is a type of concrete slab used in many Sydney homes built since the 1990s. It uses polystyrene pods to reduce concrete use. The problem is that termites can enter through the polystyrene pods and travel inside the slab undetected. Waffle pod slabs require extra vigilance during inspection and often benefit from a physical termite barrier.
Annual inspections are the minimum recommendation for all Sydney homes. Homes in high-risk areas (bushland-adjacent suburbs like St Ives, Wahroonga, Turramurra, Hornsby Heights) should consider 6-monthly inspections. Homes with previous termite activity, timber subfloors, or waffle pod slabs should also inspect more frequently.
A compliant AS 4349.3 report must include: all areas inspected, all areas not inspected and the reason, any termite activity found (with photos), any conducive conditions found, risk assessment, and recommended actions. The report must be in writing — verbal reports are not acceptable.
Book a Thorough, AS 4349.3 Compliant Inspection
Every SRM inspection uses thermal imaging, moisture meters, and produces a full written report. Same-day service available across Sydney.