Termites are small but powerful creatures that can eat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can cause significant damage to homes without warning if not stopped. They are the most troublesome and destructive insects and have incredible reproductive abilities. A termite queen lays an egg every three seconds and over ten million per year. In this article, we’ll learn more about these pests and answer the question: “How frequently should I have a termite inspection?”

Each year, termites are estimated to cause more than $300 billion financial damage worldwide and more than $100 million in Australia. So, while the original cost of handling or preventing termites may appear high, untreated termites will cause far more damage in the long run.

What Drives Termites to Your House?

Termites prefer to feed on cellulose, so they are drawn to anything that contains this substance. This includes materials such as wood, paper, cardboard, and cables. Other items that attract termites to your home are listed below.

• Humidity
• Mulch
• Gardens
• Timber
• Firewood
• Wood piles 
• Fallen trees
• Stubs
• Poor drainage
• Tree limbs near the house

You probably have at least one of these “termite magnets” in your home. As a result, it is critical to conduct regular termite inspections.

How Regularly Should I Have A Termite Inspection?

Termite inspections are critical to the safety and maintenance of your house. Therefore, a termite inspection is never off the table. In general, a termite inspection should be performed in the following circumstances:

Before purchasing a new home:

The last thing you want when purchasing a new property is to see that it is infested with termites, which implies spending thousands of dollars on treatments and repairs. So, before closing a deal with the seller, ask for a termite inspection. If any issues are discovered, they should either reduce the home’s price or eliminate termites before the purchase.

Before selling your home:

Similarly, if you want to sell your house for the highest possible price, you must first ensure that it is free of termites. Obtain an official document from a termite control company certifying that your home is pest-free, which in return will raise the value of your home.

Every year:

According to pest control providers, if you live south of the Capricorn Tropic, you should have a termite inspection every year. Termites thrive in this area’s hot and humid climate. However, some regions of Australia and north of the Tropic of Capricorn are particularly vulnerable to termite invasion. If you live in these areas or anywhere with a similar climate, you should have a termite inspection every six months. 

Some people wait for two or even five years, but that is more than adequate time for termites to establish themselves and cause extensive structural damage. A termite queen, as previously stated, can lay up to 10 million eggs annually. Of course, not all the eggs hatch, but thousands upon thousands of these insects can slowly eat away at your property.As soon as you notice a problem: You should have a termite inspection performed. The following is a quick rundown of some termite warning signs:

• clicking sounds
• headbanging
• Termites flying
• Wings of termites
• White ants 
• Hollow wood sounds
• Small holes in wood
• Difficulty in opening doors and windows
• Mud leads
• shelter tubes
• Power outage 
• Wood tunnels
• Termite droppings
• Damage to the floors, walls, or ceiling
• the foundation has been harmed
• The garden has been harmed.
• Roof tiles have been damaged

What If I’ve Had Termites in The Past?

How often you need a termite inspection depends on how the termites were dealt with the previous time. For example, suppose your home has previously had termite problems, and a termite barrier has not been installed. In that case, it is recommended that termite inspections be performed every 3 to 6 months until a full termite control system is installed. Annual termite inspections are recommended if your house has a termite barrier that is up to date.

The best termite barrier comes with an 8-year warranty, but you should not wait that long. It is critical to conduct annual termite inspections to make sure that your barrier has not been breached or compromised in any way. In all cases, you must have an inspection every 12 months.

My Neighbor Has Termites. Do I Need a Termite Inspection?

If termites have infested one of your neighbours, you should also get an inspection. You are even more vulnerable if you do not have a termite management system in place. These pests can travel between 50 and 80 meters from their colony, while flying termites can travel much further. The primary nest may not even be in your neighbour’s house. It could be in another neighbour’s house or even yours. So, if you don’t have a termite barrier and a house near you is attacked by termites, call a termite inspection company immediately. 

Does The Season Make a Difference?

Termites prefer warm, humid weather. Their ideal temperature is between 25 and 28 degrees. While such temperatures are only found in certain parts of the world during summer, most of Australia is warm except for winter. Termites can be active all year except during a few weeks when conditions are less than ideal. After all, they must constantly eat and survive.

Don’t assume you’re safe because the weather has cooled down. If you notice any signs of termites or it has been over a year since the last inspection, schedule an inspection as soon as possible to make sure your home has not become a victim of a destructive pest. Get a termite inspection at least once a year to prevent future damage and expensive repairs.

Conclusion 

A termite inspection is considered a supplement to your building insurance, and in many ways, it is a health check for your home. A termite inspector will inspect the dark nooks and crannies many homeowners overlook, such as the roof void and subfloor. An inspection not only determines whether the home is under termite attack but also identifies building issues such as roof leaks, holes in gutters, and drainage problems, providing the property owner with valuable information to keep the home in good condition. Early detection can prevent you from spending a lot of money, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.