Termite inspections

Termites are active across most of mainland Australia, they’re silent, and standard home insurance generally doesn’t cover the damage. That combination is why the inspection reminder exists.

The recommendation: at least annually

The Australian Standard guidance is a professional termite inspection at least once every 12 months for most homes — more frequently in high-risk areas (warm, humid regions and homes with heavy garden timber, for instance). An inspection is a modest cost; unnoticed termite damage is not.

What an inspection involves

A licensed inspector checks the accessible interior, exterior, roof void and subfloor for live termites, workings, damage and conditions that invite trouble — moisture, timber-to-soil contact, garden beds against weepholes. You get a written report and, if needed, options for management systems.

Between inspections

• Keep weepholes clear of soil, mulch and paving.
• Don’t stack firewood or timber against the house.
• Fix leaking taps and air-con drainage near the slab — termites love moisture.
• If you find what looks like mud tubing, don’t disturb it; call an inspector.

Set it once

Enable the Termite inspection template in Home Heads Up. It’s yearly by default with a month’s advance notice, so you have time to book. If your last report recommended six-monthly inspections, change the cycle to match.

Home Heads Up is a free app for Australian households — no ads, no account. It sends the reminders described here automatically.