While they might be small, termites have the potential to cause major problems. Left unchecked, termites can severely damage the structure of your home, potentially putting your family at risk while devaluing your property. So how often should you get a termite inspection to catch these intruders before they cause significant damage? This article aims to explore that topic, and the considerations that should be made regarding the materials your home was built with.
If you are seeking high quality Brisbane building inspections, get started by requesting a free quote, giving us a call on 1300 553 007, or by sending an email to info@asbir.com.au.
How Often Do You Need a Termite Inspection?
When it comes to how often should you get a termite inspection, most experts recommend an annual inspection. By arranging an inspection on a yearly basis, you will hopefully catch any pests before they are able to cause any major damage. If you leave your inspection too long, you risk discovering the infestation after most of the damage has already been done. This in turn significantly lowers the property value, while you are forced to spend money to fund costly repairs.
Conversely, if no traces of termites are found, you are receiving peace of mind that your property is safe for another year. We recommend once a year as a minimum, but you may wish to arrange inspections more frequently than that just to be sure. If your property is older or has experienced a termite infestation in the past, then it may be wiser to conduct inspections more frequently.
The weather is also a factor in how often do you need a termite inspection, as termites typically thrive in warm, moist climates like Queensland. It is also advised to book an inspection if you are looking to buy or a sell a property to make sure there are no nasty surprises before the deal is finalised. If you learn that a neighbouring property has recently discovered a termite infestation, then you should book an inspection immediately as termites can travel up to 100 meters from their nest.
The Difference Between Residential & Commercial Properties
While we recommend annual inspections for residential properties, commercial buildings are a little different due to their functionality. They are typically more at risk than commercial properties due to their larger size and greater complexity, which creates more opportunity for termites to infest the structure of the building. An annual inspection is recommended for commercial buildings, but this may need to be more frequent based on how the building is used and the materials it was made with, with wood being particularly vulnerable.
Does Building Material Affect How Often Should You Get a Termite Inspection?
While no homes are completely safe from the threat of pests and termites, the material used to construct your property is a factor to consider. Timber is the riskiest material when it comes to a termite infestation, as the pests love to chew through wood without a second thought for the stability of your home. As timber homes are the most vulnerable, they should be treated to regular inspections, with annual inspections considered a bare minimum.
How Often Do You Need a Termite Inspection Living in SEQ?
The weather is perfect in Queensland as we are treated to hot days and warm summer nights. Unfortunately, this weather is also perfect for termites as they thrive in warm, humid weather. Where exactly you live in SEQ is a factor to consider, as the further north you are located, the more at risk you are. If you are living in Far North Queensland, it may be wiser to invest in an inspection every 6 months just to be safe. Ultimately, there is no such thing as too many inspections, so if you ever become worried about the state of your property, arrange an inspection to put your mind at ease.
Arrange a Termite Inspection Today!
If you have considered the question of how often should you get a termite inspection, there is no better time to start than now. At ASBIR, our annual termite inspection service is designed to help keep your property protected from these unseen invaders. Get started by requesting a free quote, or give us a call on 1300 553 007 or send an email to info@asbir.com.au to learn more about our services.