Booked an annual termite inspection and not sure what to expect? Here is how the visit runs, and the small amount of preparation that makes it more useful.
What to Expect During the Visit
Your technician works through the property systematically rather than spot-checking. Using tools such as a moisture meter and thermal imaging, they identify areas where hidden moisture or a temperature difference may point to activity worth a closer look. Most inspections take between forty-five minutes and two hours, depending on the size of the property and how easily the subfloor and roof void can be reached. Larger properties, or ones with a difficult-to-access subfloor, sit toward the longer end of that range.
- A full interior check, room by room
- A subfloor inspection where access allows, since most activity begins below the floor
- An exterior check, including the junction where garden beds and paths meet the foundation
- A roof void check where it is safe and accessible
- A written report and recommendation, prepared after the visit
How to Prepare Before the Technician Arrives
- Clear items stored under kitchen and bathroom sinks, since these areas need checking for leaks and moisture
- Move items away from garage walls to leave two to three feet of open space along the wall line
- Clear access to the attic and subfloor entry points
- Trim back overgrown plants or shrubs obscuring the foundation, since inspectors need a clear view to check for ground contact and mud tubes
- Note any signs you have already noticed, such as damaged wood or mud tubes, so the technician can check that area closely
- Secure pets in a separate area during the inspection, both for their safety and so the technician can work without distraction
What You Get Afterwards
You receive a written report covering what was checked, what was found, and a clear recommendation for the next step. If nothing is found, that is recorded too, since a clean report is useful evidence for insurance and for any future sale. Keep it with your property records alongside previous years’ reports, since a documented history carries more weight than a single inspection on its own.If You Cannot Fully Prepare Beforehand
Full preparation makes an inspection faster and more thorough, but a partly cleared property does not stop it going ahead. If the subfloor or roof void cannot be accessed on the day, your technician notes this in the report as an area not inspected, rather than skipping over it silently, so you know exactly what was and was not checked and can arrange a follow-up if needed. Let us know when you book if you expect access to be limited, such as a locked shed over the subfloor entry or a tenant who needs advance notice, so the technician can plan the visit around it rather than discovering the obstacle on arrival.
Ready to Book?
For the reasoning behind why an annual check matters, see our guide to annual termite inspections. To book, Contact Tom’s Pest Control Adelaide or call (08) 8876 5311 or visit our termite inspection and treatment page.
FAQs
What happens at a termite inspection?
A technician checks the property systematically, interior first, then subfloor, roof void and exterior, using moisture meters and thermal imaging to identify areas worth a closer look.
Do I need to be home?
Not necessarily, but access to the subfloor, roof void and garden perimeter helps the inspection go faster.
How do I prepare?
Clear access points, note any signs you have noticed, and secure pets during the visit.
Do I need to be home for the inspection?
Not necessarily, though having someone available to grant access to the garage, subfloor and any locked areas helps the inspection run smoothly. If you cannot be there, arrange for a family member, neighbour, or property manager to let the technician in and confirm access to the areas listed above.
How long does an annual inspection take?
Most inspections take between forty-five minutes and two hours, depending on the size of the property and how easily the subfloor and roof void can be reached.
Will the technician need to enter every room?
Generally yes, since termite entry points and signs of activity can appear in any room, not only the ones that seem most at risk. If a room is locked or otherwise inaccessible on the day, let the technician know so it can be noted and, if needed, checked on a follow-up visit.
