Activity and evidence
Live termites, workings, shelter tubes, damaged timber and moisture-related conditions require careful assessment.
Termite risk and prevention
Queensland termite and timber pest guide.
Understand termite warning signs, management-system limitations and the conditions that increase the risk of concealed attack.
Buyer overview
Termite risk is managed through inspection, access and maintenance.
Queensland conditions can support termite activity. A timber pest inspection reports accessible visual evidence at a point in time; termites and damage may remain concealed within walls, slabs, soil, stored items and inaccessible construction.
Conducive conditions
Timber-soil contact, moisture, poor ventilation, stored goods and bridged inspection zones can increase risk.
Management systems
Notices, installation records, service requirements and accessible inspection zones should be checked and maintained.
Inspection scope: The timber pest inspection is visual, non-invasive and limited to reasonably accessible areas. It does not guarantee that termites, borers, fungal decay or damage are absent.
Practical checks
What buyers should observe and verify.
Warning signs and conducive conditions
- Termite workings, mud shelter tubes, damaged or hollow-sounding timber.
- Timber or building materials in contact with soil.
- Garden beds, render, paving or stored items bridging slab edges and inspection zones.
- Persistent moisture, plumbing leaks, poor subfloor ventilation or damp timbers.
- Dead trees, stumps, timber retaining walls and buried timber near the building.
- Missing management notices, expired chemical treatments or inaccessible perimeter zones.
Recommended next steps
- Do not disturb suspected termite activity before a licensed termite management contractor attends.
- Arrange further invasive investigation where evidence or risk cannot be resolved visually.
- Obtain termite management notices, installation records, warranties and service history.
- Maintain clear inspection zones and remove timber-soil contact and excess moisture.
- Arrange inspections at least annually, or more frequently where the inspector or system requires.
Limits of a visual inspection
A clear inspection is not a warranty against concealed activity.
Inspection findings are limited by access, obstruction, construction type, prevailing conditions and the evidence visible at the inspection time.
Not confirmed
- Absence of termites or timber pests in concealed or inaccessible areas.
- Full extent or structural significance of timber damage.
- Effectiveness, continuity or remaining life of a management system.
- Species identification without adequate accessible evidence.
- Future infestation or future damage.
When specialist input is appropriate
- QBCC-licensed termite management contractor.
- Builder or carpenter for opening-up and timber repairs.
- Structural engineer where significant structural damage is suspected.
- Plumber or drainage contractor where moisture is contributing.
Where live termites are identified, avoid disturbance and arrange prompt professional management. Repairs should not conceal or remove evidence before the termite specialist has assessed it.
Official information
Authoritative sources and further reading.
Requirements can change and may depend on the building classification, approval date and work undertaken. Confirm current obligations with the relevant authority or appropriately licensed specialist.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions.
Does a termite barrier stop all termites?
No. Management systems are intended to reduce concealed entry risk or assist detection. Termites can bridge or bypass systems, so inspection and maintenance remain necessary.
How often should a property be inspected?
QBCC recommends at least annual inspection by a suitably qualified licensed contractor, with more frequent inspections where risk or system requirements warrant it.
What happens if live termites are found?
Do not disturb them. Arrange prompt assessment and management by a QBCC-licensed termite management contractor, followed by damage assessment and repairs as required.
HouseWorthy packages
ONE PROPERTY
Best value
THREE PROPERTIES
Research the property before the physical inspection.
$29
Property Intelligence Report
Property, planning, environmental, utility and buyer due-diligence information with practical next checks.
View the $29 report$59
Buyer Shortlist
Three report credits to compare risks, advantages and next checks across different properties.
View the $59 shortlist
$50 Premise inspection offer: purchase an eligible HouseWorthy package, then book and complete a combined Premise building and timber pest inspection for the same property within 30 days. Supply the purchase email or Stripe receipt when booking. Conditions apply.
HouseWorthy is a property information service by Premise Inspections. It is not a building and timber pest inspection, valuation, engineering assessment, approval search, certification or guarantee.
Request an inspection quote
Provide the available property details and we will email an indicative quotation. Final pricing may vary with the property’s size, construction, age, condition, location and accessibility.
Premise Inspections
Independent building and timber pest inspections
Reports generally available within 24 hours
What happens next
- 1Receive your indicative quoteWe email the estimate using the property details supplied.
- 2Reply if you wish to proceedProvide the selling agent’s name and contact details.
- 3Confirm the bookingWe coordinate access and confirm the inspection arrangements.
Prefer to speak directly?
Call 1300 396 585
info@ppbi.com.au
Get the facts before you commit.
Request a clear written quote for your property inspection.