Stroud, Gloucester, Dungog, Bulahdelah and surrounds
Termite Inspections
Routine, regular termite inspections
One of the most vital steps you can take in ensuring your property is protected from termite damage is having a licenced pest control professional perform regular comprehensive termite inspections to your property.
A Termite Inspection is a thorough visual inspection of your home, including nearby* surrounding structures (eg. sheds, barns, trees, fences etc) for any evidence of current or previous termite activity, any termite nests, termite damage, and identification of any risk factors conducive to termite infestation that are present. It will outline the level of risk of future infestation, and provide recommendations as to how you can reduce your risk and best protect your biggest asset - your home.
Your pest controller will advise you on the optimal frequency of termite inspections for your specific circumstances, based upon factors that will be reported on in your report, that are used to determine your level of risk for termite infestation. The most common recommended frequency for termite inspections is six monthly or annually, but you should always follow the specific recommendations detailed in your report and discuss with your pest controller if you are unsure.
It's also important to know that not all licenced pest controllers are licenced specifically to perform termite inspections - you can become a licenced pest control technician but not have the necessary additional certification to perform termite inspections and treatment, but Valleys Pest Services has all the necessary certifications and experience.
Map of termite hotspots in Australia
Termite Inspections - when an infestation is suspected
When you suspect you might have termites, the very first thing that is needed is to perform a comprehensive inspection. The scope of the inspection is almost identical to when performed routinely but it is an important step that cannot be skipped.
Even when customers can tell us the specific location they sighted termites, it is essential that the same thorough inspection is performed, to confirm that termites are indeed present, determine what species they are (as this guides the type of treatment that is appropriate), identify any co-existing termite colonies (as it isn't uncommon to find two different colonies, especially on a large property), to identify a nest where possible, and to gather all the information needed to make an informed decision about the most appropriate treatment plan.
It is also important to identify any conducive/risk factors for future infestation because otherwise we can eradicate the initial colony, but if permanent changes aren't made or a permanent system is not installed, then there is little to prevent another colony simply moving straight into their vacated leads - it's a ready made home for the next colony.
Pre - Purchase Termite Inspections
For most people, your home is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make - this is why it's so important to schedule a pre-purchase pest inspection before signing on the dotted line. We'll be able to let you know if there are any major issues from previous termite damage, any nasties currently residing in your dream home or any risk factors that might lead them to invade in future.
If we find something, it doesn't always mean you won't want to go through with the purchase, but it just gives you all the information you need to make an educated decision on moving forward.
We highly recommend you have a separate building inspection and separate pest inspection performed separately by the relevant professional. Although it might be tempting to save a few dollars by having a combined "pest and building inspector", in our experience, most building and pest inspectors are builders who've done a short course to add pest inspection to their repertoire... but as they don't deal with termites day in, day out; they can easily overlook signs that a pest control specialist will spot. We wouldn't attempt to rebuild your deck once we've eradicated its termites - we leave that to the builders. We stick with what we know, and what we are great at, and in our opinion, the cost of your home is just too much to gamble! We have good relationships with several local builders who we can recommend for building works. We recommend you choose a pest control professional who specialises in termite inspections and treatment who has a greater wealth of knowledge on termites - their anatomy & physiology, their behaviours & habits, the tell-tale signs of their presence and can tell you when to (or not to be) concerned. Valleys Pest Services can provide this, if you so choose.
*generally speaking, within thirty metres from the main residence, refer to your report for details in inclusions and exclusions