Why Use Termite Technology?
Termite technology detects various other signs behind the walls, that a licensed and certified Timber Pest Inspector can pick up on. Some of the equipment detects falling debris & soft timers, while others detect moisture, termite movement or a heat cluster. The main reason for using further devices on a Termite Inspection is to try to raise the percentage of certainty of live termite activity with minimal disruption to property, before putting a screwdriver size hole in the wall; or at worse an unprofessional Inspector tearing down wall sheeting to find there was only ant activity or worse nothing going on at all.
What are the types of equipment and devices used in a Termite Inspection?
When looking for a Termite Inspector for a Termite Inspection on your Home or a Building & Pest Inspection when buying your first property on the Gold Coast; it’s important to remember not all Pest Inspectors are created equal. Always keep in mind to compare Apples with Apples when looking at price point and what you get in return. Here is a list of equipment and devices that can be used:
- Sounding Device/Tapper
- Head Torch
- Screwdriver
- Moisture Meter
- Termatrac T3i Device
- Infrared Camera
- Borescope
It should be noted that to meet the Australian Standard, the only two pieces of equipment that are mandatory on a Timber Pest Inspection are the sounding device and moisture meter. So, at minimum, when looking for a Pest Inspector at least ask for those two pieces of equpiement and be sure they are being used on your home at time of inspection. When getting a termite inspection you should always receive a written report to the Australian Standard. Here at LessPest More Control, we issue you with a digital report with images within 24 hours of payment and inspection completed.
Sounding Device/Tapper
As this name suggests, this is a sounding device that the Timber Pest Inspector uses when carrying out the termite inspections; “tapping” as much timber as possible throughout the house with light rapid hitting, searching for paper-like timbers and listening for falling debris.
Head Torch/Hand Torch
white light head or hand torch becomes vital when carrying out our Termite Inspections because there are many dark areas to a home, where termites like to be. Entering into dark areas such as roof voids, subfloors and garages with the head torch and/or hand torch gives us an added advantage to see more clearly into nooks and crannies and to provide a thorough Inspection. A white light shows up much easier than yellow light when using our eyes for termite detection.
Screwdriver
You are probably wondering why on earth is a screwdriver mentioned here! We use a screwdriver to lift carpet smooth edge neatly without damage. We also use the screwdriver around the outside of the property checking trees and stumps.
Moisture Meter
A moisture meter is used to check the dry wall. Ideally there should be a reading of no more than 15, as the wall is meant to be under 10 to be classed as a dry wall. Why this check is needed is because termite workings hold moisture which they constantly use for their workings and this moisture can come through the dry wall and show up on our moisture device. The only areas a Termite Inspector must check when doing their inspections are back of bathrooms, under laundry & kitchen sink and toilet. However we go above and beyond with thorough checking to more than just the minimum requirement.
Another advantage to the moisture meter is possibly finding a slow leak behind the toilet, a mould issue or possibly wood decay. Once corrected this can be of financial or health benefit to you and can reduce the attraction of termites to your home.
Termatrac T3i
The Termatrac T3i is another Termite Detection tool that is favoured by professional Timber Pest Termite Inspectors. It’s the World number 1 method to confirm and track the presence of termites.
The T3i Sensor utilises radar technology to determine movement and is combined with a relative and direct moisture sensor, as well as a thermal sensor for extra confidence. The unique 3-in-1 design is the ultimate tool for the professional Timber Pest Inspector reporting on residential homes for a Visual Termite Inspection and for new home buyers needing a Pre-Purchase Building & Pest Inspection, and are looking for a non-destructive method of confirming termites.
Termatrac Calibration Certificate
What is important to mention here is that the Termatrac device needs calibrating once a year. Make sure to verify your Termite Inspector is up-to-date by either asking to see current certificate or go to the Termatrac website to see a list of registered providers in your area.
Thermal Imaging Camera
An infrared Camera detects infrared energy (Heat) and ends up converting it into a thermal image on a video monitor held by the Timber Pest Inspector. These camera devices can be useful in aiding the Pest Inspector in the detection of pests, nests and possible problems. Like the Termatrac Device the Thermal Imaging Camera FLIR C3 we use, is noninvasive.
The thermal imaging Camera is designed to be used:
- Inside Buildings
- Where it’s relatively dry
- Where it’s relatively cool
The thermal imaging camera can help aid the Pest Inspector with:
- Termites
- Rodents
- Moisture
- Potential Problems
Contrary to what you may have read or been told, thermal imaging cameras pick up on heat signatures only, and cannot enable the Pest Inspector to see through walls, into walls. Another factor to keep in mind is other heat sources can be picked up on such as:
- Hot Climate
- Humid Climate
- Electrical Wiring
- Sunlight on a wall
Not all cameras are created equal. Here at LessPest More Control we use FLIR as they are considered the best in the industry as they provide accurate and high quality thermal imagery.
Borescope
Using a Borescope is like having an extra set of eyes for the Pest Inspector to get into places where he physically can not get into or see into. A Borescope has a camera at one end which the Termite Inspector is holding and watching on; whilst the other investigative end has a micro camera on it; in between is a long flexible optic fibre for ease of movement and reach. This device is also reassuring for the customer as they know something is really going on in there and it’s not a sales ploy for unnecessary work.
If an invasive inspection is ever recommended by a timber pest inspector you have two options:
- A small screwdriver size hole will be punctured through the wall and the borescope will go through the wall giving an image of what is happening within.
- If high moisture is detected when can cut a square for a vent to be installed which will allow the cavity to breath and dry out.
- The borescope can also penetrate into the wall cavity, where the timber pest inspector can not physically get into to see if there is termite activity within.
In Summary
The use of Termite Technology devices and equipment, aids in the possible early detection of termite activity, reducing the financial cost to the home owner and if termites are detected it gives peace of mind to the home owner that it is not a furphy and the Timber Pest Inspector is showing live activity on the devices at time of inspection.
If you need to book a Termite Inspection for your home or are buying your first home on the Gold Coast or South Brisbane and need a Building & Pest Inspection; then call LessPest More Control now 0497 006 400 or get in touch here
