Prepared by Home Triage Australia. Updated 6 November 2026. General guidance, not a diagnosis. Not independently reviewed by a qualified tradesperson. How these guides are prepared.
What to do now
Do not spray, break open or remove suspected mud tunnels, nests or damaged timber before inspection. Record what is already visible and arrange a qualified termite inspection. If a floor or structural member appears unsafe, keep people away and arrange a building assessment as well.
What the signs can and cannot tell you
| What you have noticed | Useful information for the professional |
|---|---|
| Mud-like tracks or tunnels | Note their location and take a photograph only if safely accessible. An inspector needs to identify the material and any activity. |
| Damaged timber or bubbling finishes | Record where you first noticed it. Timber pests, decay and moisture can require different investigations; appearance alone is not a diagnosis. |
| A previous treatment notice or report | Share any documents you already have, including inspection dates and warranty terms. Previous treatment does not establish the condition of every part of the home today. |
| A soft or moving floor | Keep weight away. Pest identification and assessment of the floor’s structural condition are separate tasks. |
A soft floor does not prove termite damage. See the soft or sinking floor guide for the building-assessment pathway.
What to ask for in a termite inspection report
Ask for the observed evidence, affected locations and whether it indicates current or previous activity. The report should explain access restrictions and any areas that could not be inspected, rather than presenting an inaccessible area as clear.
- Areas inspected and limitations, including concealed or inaccessible spaces.
- Evidence of timber-pest activity and damage, with photographs or location notes where available.
- Existing management measures and conditions that may increase risk.
- Recommended further investigation, treatment or building assessment, with priorities.
QBCC’s inspection guidance distinguishes timber-pest inspections from general building inspections. Confirm that the service you book answers your actual question.
Price inspection, treatment and repairs separately
Request separate scopes for the inspection/report, any treatment or management system, ongoing inspections or monitoring, and repair of damaged building materials. A treatment price is not a structural-repair quote.
Illustrative quote comparison: “Inspect accessible areas and issue a report” does not include treating confirmed activity, regular monitoring or replacing damaged floor timbers. Check each inclusion and exclusion before comparing totals.
For a treatment proposal, ask which areas it covers, the proposed method, follow-up visits, access requirements and conditions of any warranty. Ask about ongoing fees and what happens if further activity is found. This guide does not give a national termite-treatment price.
Questions before hiring a termite professional
- Do your qualifications and state licence cover the inspection and proposed treatment?
- Will I receive a written report, and what cannot be inspected during this visit?
- What evidence supports treatment, and is a separate structural assessment needed?
- What must I do before and after treatment, and what maintenance does the system require?
- Which follow-up visits, ongoing costs, exclusions and warranty conditions are in writing?
Check pest-control licensing for your state →
QBCC advises regular professional inspections and maintenance appropriate to the installed management system and local risk. Use the inspection and product recommendations for your property; do not treat one schedule as a guarantee against termites.
Tenants should notify their rental provider promptly. Owners and strata managers should clarify who arranges the pest and building assessments when shared property is involved.
Sources and review status
Prepared by Home Triage Australia. Updated 6 November 2026. The linked public sources were checked for this update. General guidance, not a diagnosis or an inspection of your home. Not independently reviewed by a qualified tradesperson. State-specific guidance is labelled; use your local authority for rules and contacts.
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