1. Pest inspections Presented by Roger Richter from
Roger has been exclusively involved in pest management and pest inspection for over thirty years, with vast knowledge and experience, including and specialising in subfloor ventilation, termite control, and timber repair.
Est

2. The Machine and its Weaponry
Est

4. The Queen and her egg factory…

5. What makes termites difficult to detect?
There are a number of factors limiting the ability of a Timber Pest Inspector to gain an accurate representation of Timber Pest activity.
Timber Pests by their very nature are secretive and difficult to locate.
They are often completely concealed by the linings and claddings of buildings and cannot be detected without intrusive and destructive inspection techniques – not possible without written permission from the property owner.
The presence of Timber Pests can often only be determined by repeated inspections carried out over a period of time. Furthermore, it is never possible to conclusively determine that a property is free of Timber Pests.
Est
Est

6. The humble abode
Est
Est

7. Est
Est

8. Est
Est

9. You CAN SEE the stains left by the termite lead

10. Do‘s and don’ts
Don’t ever convey that there are no termites, or the property is termite free.
If you’re a building inspector always recommend a pest inspection.
If you’re a pest inspector recommend an invasive inspection.
Lift carpet in corners if you can get away with it, but show due regard.
Access inconspicuous areas where you can and provide specific limitations when you can’t.
If you are doing combined building and pest inspections your focus must be on the pest inspection as well.
And if you are a property owner…never assume (or worse, hope) you won’t ever have termites in your buildings. Be vigilant.
Est
Est

11. “Freshly painted. Nice new carpet.”
Est
Est

12. What the…
Est
Est

13. The art of concealment or… creative renovating?
Nope, just plain dodgy!
Another room more sheets for the price of the sheets he could have done a termite treatment. Live termites were found.

14. Can this destroy a floor?
You CAN SEE the stains left by the termite lead

15. Technology - Termatrac T3I
Est
Est

16. A termite lead from the outside footpath, what’s going on?
You CAN SEE the stains left by the termite lead

17. As an inspector - don’t termite yourself
Recommend an invasive inspection.
Lift carpet, if you are able.
Use Termatrac T3I to different areas.
Exercise Caution. Don’t become complacent.
Every building has the potential for termite infestation.
Est
Est

18. You must fully access roof spaces
Est
Est

19. One speck in the wall – if you are going to do termite inspections you better look closely.

22. Hmmm, tasty!

23. Can you pick it?

27. Harsh but fair
If you are not prepared to crawl through a roof void or a subfloor don’t be a Pest Inspector.
Physically access as much of the roof space or sub-floor as possible.
When stepping on ceiling joists tap top plates wherever possible, locate issues, and ensure safe tread as you go.
Slide back roof tiles over top plates if possible.
In floor spaces check ant-caps, floor joists and bearers.
Est
Est

28. New Homes – handover inspections
New Homes – handover inspections. “There won’t be a problem, its new”, you hear.
Est
Est

30. What have we here?

31. A membrane like this could have saved all that
A membrane like this could have saved all that. But is it installed correctly under the wall?
Physical termite barriers such as Kordon or Trithor would have prevented these infestations.

32. Check List
If you do handover or staged inspections get familiar with termite barriers.
On newer homes look to see what systems are installed and if in doubt refer to the builder or their specs.
Look for damage from following trades.
Look for failure/weak points – how will the termites get in?
Est
Est

33. Questions
Est
Est