How to Prepare for a Termite Inspection
Properly preparing your home for a termite inspection ensures a more thorough and accurate result. The more access we have to key areas, the better we can assess risk factors and detect any early signs of activity.
Key Points
- Unlock gates, garages, sheds, and manholes
- Clear access to roof voids, subfloors, interior walls, and external perimeters
- Secure pets and inform us of any safety concerns
- Be ready to turn off the power before roof void entry
- A quick tidy-up helps with visibility and access
- Inspection is non-invasive and takes around 45–60 minutes
Why Termite Inspection Prep Matters
A termite inspection is visual by nature – we can only inspect what we can physically see and access. If areas are blocked, locked, or cluttered, they may be excluded from the report, which reduces its accuracy.
Ensuring full access allows us to give you a more complete assessment and helps protect your home from future damage.
What to Do Before Your Termite Inspection
1. Unlock External Gates, Garages, and Sheds
We’ll need access around the full perimeter of your home, as well as any freestanding structures such as:
- Garages
- Sheds
- Retaining walls
- Fence lines
If any access points require keys or remotes, please have them ready.
2. Clear Access to Roof Voids and Subfloors
If your home has a roof void or subfloor, make sure:
- The manhole is visible and not blocked by furniture
- The area below the manhole is clear enough to safely place a ladder
- Subfloor hatches are unlocked and free of stored items
Blocked access may prevent us from inspecting key structural areas.
3. Be Ready to Switch Off the Power for Roof Void Access
Under updated Queensland electrical safety regulations (2025), we are required to turn off the main power before entering any roof void.
We will guide you through this process on the day of inspection.
Please ensure:
- You know where your main switchboard is
- You’re comfortable switching power off when asked
4. Move Furniture and Stored Items from Interior Walls
If you have furniture blocking internal walls, especially in high-risk areas like kitchens, laundries, or timber-floored rooms:
- Move large items slightly forward to allow inspection
- Remove items stored up against skirting boards or wall junctions
This helps us check for signs of damage, mud tubes, or moisture buildup.
5. Tidy Up Around the Exterior
You don’t need to deep clean, but clearing clutter from garden beds and perimeters helps a lot.
Remove or shift:
- Piles of timber or cardboard
- Stored items near the walls
- Climbing plants or ground cover up against the home
6. Secure Pets and Let Us Know of Any Concerns
Please:
- Keep pets secured during the inspection
- Let us know if there are safety concerns, such as aggressive animals or access restrictions
We work quickly and carefully, but pets can become anxious during inspection.
Related Services
Learn More
Learn more about termite management products and licensing at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
FAQ: Preparing for a Termite Inspection
How long does a termite inspection take?
Most standard inspections take between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the property size and access.
Do I need to leave the house?
No. You’re welcome to stay home. We just need access to key areas, including the roof void and subfloor (if applicable).
What happens if areas are blocked?
If parts of the property are inaccessible, we’ll note them in the report as excluded areas. These won’t be inspected.
Is the inspection invasive?
No. We use visual methods and tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging. We won’t cut into walls or damage surfaces unless we have reason to suspect that there is activity /damage in these areas. In any case, we’ll clear this with you first.
What if you find termites?
If we detect termites, we’ll provide a detailed report with treatment recommendations. With your approval, we can often begin treatment shortly after.
Do I receive a report?
Yes. You’ll get a full written report within 24 hours. It outlines findings, risk areas, and prevention tips.
Do I need to turn the power off?
Yes, but only if we’re inspecting the roof void. We’ll let you know when and walk you through it.
Summary: Termite Inspection Prep Checklist
- Unlock all gates, sheds, and garages
- Ensure access to roof voids and subfloors
- Be ready to switch off power for roof inspection
- Move furniture away from key interior walls
- Tidy external areas around the home
- Secure pets and notify us of any access concerns
Need help or have questions? Contact us – we’re happy to guide you through it.