Timber Pest Attack

Determine whether the site and design of the house are extremely favourable to timber pests while conducting a wood pest inspection. A few of the factors are, but are not limited to:

• What type of construction is the house (e.g., is it built on a cut and fill slab)?
• Is the type of construction "High" risk in terms of undiscovered termite invasion or activity?
• Has the structure been expanded or modified?
• What is the overall risk of an undiscovered timber pest attack and the conditions that can lead to one, given the accessibility for examination and the presence of obstructions?
• How old is the building, what kind of wood was used in its construction, and how vulnerable are those woods to fungus or wood borer attack?
• Is there a ready supply of food under or around the building for termites?
• Is there proof of too much moisture?
• Is there any proof of additional circumstances that could lead to a timber pest assault, such as insufficient inspection zones or termite management system bridging or breaching?
• Evidence of a former termite control strategy. Is there a permanent notification stating that a termite program is in place in the electricity meter box?

It's crucial that you:

• Identify the circumstances that timber pests prefer;
• Identify the construction type's restrictions;
• Report any obvious circumstances that might lead to a timber pest attack;
• Recommend additional professional guidance, follow-up inspections, or repair work as necessary.

The following sources provide additional reading and information on the factors that favour timber pest attack:

• Standard Timber Pest Detection Reports and Uniform Inspection Guidelines for Timber Pest Detection Consultants are both found in the Report Systems Australia Handbook. November 2010, Fourth Edition.
• Australian Standard, AS 4349.3-2010, Inspection of Buildings, Part 3: Timber Pest Inspections.
• Australian Standard, AS 3660.2: 2017, Termite Management in and Around Existing Building.