What happens in a termite inspection on the Central Coast: what we check and what your report tells you
Updated: 5 days ago
A termite inspection on the Central Coast is a visual inspection of the roof void, the interior, the subfloor and the grounds, plus moisture and thermal imaging checks of anything suspect, followed by a written report. Most average homes take around one to two hours. You learn whether there is activity or damage, where it is, how far it extends and what the options are. At Smash Pest Control, inspections start from $240 and Dylan does every one himself.
Before the inspection: what Dylan asks you
He starts with a conversation. Have you seen mud tubes, wings, soft timber or sticking doors? Has there been a leak, a renovation or a new garden bed against the wall? Is there any history of termite treatment? These answers tell him where to look hardest. To make the visit smoother, see how to prepare for a termite inspection.
The roof void
Termites do not only come from the ground. Some species nest in trees or in the structure and travel through the roof. Dylan checks timber frames, truss connections, the tops of walls and anywhere moisture could be getting in from a poorly sealed roof or a leaking valley.
The interior
Inside, the focus is skirting boards, door and window frames, wet areas like the bathroom and laundry, and the walls that back onto the subfloor. He taps timber, looks for blistered paint and uses a moisture meter and thermal camera on anything that looks off. Thermal imaging can pick up temperature and moisture differences behind a wall without cutting into it, which is useful but not a substitute for a trained eye.
The subfloor
On a raised house this is where most findings are. Dylan crawls the accessible subfloor, checks piers, bearers, joists, plumbing penetrations and any timber lying on the ground, and looks for mud tubes and nest material. Where there is no safe or reasonable access, that is noted in the report as a limitation rather than skipped silently.
The grounds
Outside, he checks fences, sleepers, retaining walls, stumps, sheds, garden beds against the house, trees and anywhere water pools. A colony in a stump 10 metres away can be feeding on your timber fence and heading for the house, so what is nearby matters as much as what is in the building.
What your written report tells you
What was found, where, and whether it is active.
Damage and risk: what is affected and what is at risk if left alone.
Conditions conducive to termites: moisture, timber in contact with soil, blocked vents and similar things you can fix.
Limitations: areas that could not be accessed or inspected. No inspection can see inside a sealed wall.
Recommendations: treatment options, a management system if appropriate and when to inspect again.
It is written in plain English. If a section does not make sense, ask, because the report is only useful if you understand it.
What happens if termites are found
Nothing is rushed. Dylan explains the finding, shows you where, and sets out the options, from direct treatment of active termites to a longer-term termite management system. If you want to understand barriers and baits first, read our guide to termite treatment: barrier vs baiting. Seen wings in spring? See flying termites: what to do tonight.
How often, and how much
Australian Standards recommend a termite inspection at least once a year, and more often for high-risk properties, such as those near bushland, lakes or with old timber structures. Landlords and owners of homes with timber subfloors are the people who benefit most from an annual habit. Smash Pest Control termite inspections start from $240. For what moves the price, see how much a termite inspection costs on the Central Coast.
Service areas
We carry out termite inspections across the Central Coast, including Gosford, Terrigal, Wamberal, Erina, Kincumber, Green Point, Avoca Beach, Copacabana, Tumbi Umbi, Bateau Bay, Wyoming, Narara, Point Clare, Kariong, Woy Woy, Umina Beach, Ettalong Beach, Saratoga, The Entrance, Shelly Beach, Blue Haven, Buff Point, Toukley, Gwandalan, Berkeley Vale, Tuggerah, Wyong, Gorokan and Hamlyn Terrace. See the full Central Coast service area.
Termite inspection FAQs
What does a termite inspection include?
A visual inspection of the roof void, interior, subfloor and grounds, plus moisture and thermal imaging checks of suspect areas, then a written report.
How long does a termite inspection take?
Most average homes take around one to two hours, depending on size, access and what is found.
How much is a termite inspection on the Central Coast?
Smash Pest Control termite inspections start from $240.
How often should I have a termite inspection?
At least once a year, and more often for high-risk properties.
Do I need to be home?
It helps, because Dylan can show you what he finds. Access to the roof void, subfloor and any locked areas has to be arranged.
What if the inspection finds termites?
Dylan explains what was found, where, how active it is and your options, so you can decide with the full picture.
Book a termite inspection: 0447 088 762
Smash Pest Control is a local, owner-operated business based in Terrigal, holding NSW Pesticide Licence PMT-TP 5203560 and $20M public liability insurance. Call 0447 088 762 or request a quote online.
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