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.
