Termite inspection Melbourne

AS 3660.2 termite inspections for Melbourne homes report within 24 hours

Multi Pest Control carries out AS 3660.2:2017 compliant termite inspections across Melbourne, using thermal imaging, moisture metering, probing, and tapping to find termite activity your eyes alone cannot detect. Written report within 24 hours. Annual, reactive, and pre-purchase inspections available.

5/5

AS 3660.2:2017 compliant

Thermal imaging camera

Calibrated moisture meter

Written report within 24 hours

AS 3660.2

2017 the Australian Standard for termite inspections

1 in 3

SE Australian homes attacked by termites

24 hrs

written report turnaround

Annual

inspections recommended across Melbourne

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What a compliant inspection includes

AS 3660.2 : 2017 termite inspection methodology four methods, what each finds

An AS 3660.2:2017 compliant termite inspection uses four distinct methods, each detecting different aspects of termite activity and timber damage. A compliant inspection must include all four. If an inspector only uses visual inspection without probing, tapping, and thermal imaging, they are not carrying out an AS 3660.2 compliant inspection.

AS 3660.2:2017 — Termite inspection methodology

Australian Standard AS 3660.2:2017

Visual inspection

Method 01

Tool: naked eye and inspection torch
Detects visible termite mud tunnels (shelter tubes) on concrete stumps, foundations, and walls; visible termite damage to exposed timber; termite swarm evidence (discarded wings); and accessible earthen packing in timber voids.

Limitation: Cannot detect termite activity hidden inside wall cavities, inside solid timber framing, or beneath slabs. Accounts for a minority of active Melbourne termite situations.

Probing & tapping

Method 02

Tool: sharp probe and sounding mallet
A sharp probe inserted into accessible timber detects soft or hollowed areas consistent with termite damage. Tapping with a mallet produces a hollow resonance in termite-damaged timber versus the solid sound of intact wood detectable in skirting boards, door frames, and subfloor bearers.

Limitation: Only effective on accessible surfaces. Cannot probe through finished wall linings, tiles, or concrete. A probed hole smaller than 3mm does not require repair, it is part of the inspection.

Thermal imaging

Method 03

Tool: calibrated thermal imaging camera (FLIR)
Active termite galleries inside wall cavities generate a thermal signature either warm (from metabolic heat of the termite colony) or cool (from moisture in the mud). A thermal imaging camera detects these differentials through plasterboard and plywood linings without destructive access. The most significant advancement in termite detection in the past two decades.

Limitation: Requires a minimum temperature differential of 0.5–1°C to produce a readable image. Cannot penetrate masonry, concrete, or thick materials. Indicative only, thermal anomalies require confirmation with moisture meter or physical investigation.

Moisture metering

Method 04

Tool: calibrated pin-type and pin-less moisture meter
Active termite workings contain significant moisture, subterranean termites require constant moisture to survive. A calibrated moisture meter detects elevated moisture readings in wall linings, flooring, and skirting boards consistent with active termite activity or water ingress conducive to termite attack.

Limitation: Elevated moisture may indicate plumbing leaks, condensation, or roof leaks rather than termite activity, moisture readings must be interpreted in conjunction with visual, probing, and thermal findings for accurate diagnosis.

All areas inspected under AS 3660.2:2017

Subfloor (all accessible areas), Roof void (all safely accessible areas), All interior rooms — floor to ceiling, Exterior building fabric, Garden and grounds (50-metre radius), Trees, stumps, and timber structures, Fences and retaining walls

A compliant AS 3660.2 inspection takes at least 90 minutes for a typical Melbourne home. An inspector who completes a residential termite inspection in under 60 minutes is not completing a compliant inspection. Our inspections average 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The written report documents all findings, all conducive conditions, and specific recommendations and is provided within 24 hours of the inspection date.

Melbourne termite risk

Why Melbourne is a high risk termite area and which species causes the damage

🐜 Melbourne is classified H3 "above moderate" termite hazard under the CSIRO Australian termite hazard map
Australia's CSIRO termite hazard map classifies all of metropolitan Melbourne in hazard level H3 (Above Moderate), and surrounding areas including the eastern suburbs, bayside, and the Mornington Peninsula in H4 (High). This reflects the high activity of Coptotermes acinaciformis Australia's most destructive termite species, responsible for approximately 70% of all significant termite damage to buildings. Coptotermes acinaciformis nests in the root crown of established trees and travels underground in foraging galleries up to 50 metres from the nest to attack timber in buildings. CSIRO data indicates approximately one in three south-eastern Australian properties will be attacked by termites making annual inspection the minimum standard for any Melbourne home in a H3 or H4 zone. The eastern suburbs, bayside, and Mornington Peninsula have consistently elevated Coptotermes activity due to clay soil moisture conditions and high tree canopy density. Termite barriers and baiting systems provide additional protection between annual inspections.

Warning signs

Signs of termite activity in a Melbourne home

If you notice any of these signs, book an inspection immediately do not disturb any suspected termite activity. Disturbing active termites causes the colony to abandon the area and establish new galleries elsewhere in the building.

🟤 Mud tunnels on walls or stumps

Brown clay tubes running up concrete stumps, foundation walls, or brick piers the most definitive external sign of subterranean termite activity. Do not break them open.

⚠ Inspect immediately

🔊 Hollow sounding timber

Skirting boards, door frames, and architraves that produce a hollow sound when tapped indicate internal termite damage the timber has been consumed from within.

⚠ Inspect immediately

🎨 Paint blistering or plaster cracking

Thin paint or plaster surfaces over timber that bubble, blister, or crack without obvious cause termites feeding on the timber beneath cause the surface to lose support.

⚠ Inspect immediately

🪰 Termite swarmers (alates)

Winged termites (swarmers or alates) emerging in spring or summer inside the house or near windows and doors. Discarded wings are found on window sills after a swarm. Swarmers indicate a mature colony nearby.

⚠ Inspect immediately

🪵 Sagging or springy floors

Floorboards that feel soft, springy, or sunken may indicate subfloor structural timber that has been damaged by termites, particularly in older Melbourne homes with subfloor construction.

⚠ Inspect immediately

🌳 Damaged timber in garden

Termite damage in timber fencing, retaining walls, or tree stumps within 50 metres of the building indicates an established colony that may already be foraging toward the structure.

Book inspection this week

Types of inspection

Three types of termite inspection available for Melbourne properties

The right inspection type depends on whether you're maintaining annual due diligence, investigating a specific concern, or assessing a property before purchase.

Annual termite inspection

Annual due diligence

AS 3660.2:2017

✓Full AS 3660.2 compliant inspection
✓Thermal imaging + moisture metering
✓Subfloor, roof void, interior, exterior
✓50m radius grounds inspection
✓Written report within 24 hours
✓Conducive conditions documented
✓Treatment recommendations if activity found

Reactive inspection

Urgent investigation

AS 3660.2:2017 same day availability

✓Same-day inspection for suspected activity
✓Full AS 3660.2 compliant methodology
✓Targeted investigation of reported signs
✓Thermal imaging of suspected areas
✓Written report same day where possible
✓Treatment options quoted on site if active

Biannual visits

Property purchase

AS 4349.3 suitable for conveyancing

✓AS 4349.3 formatted report for property purchase
✓Full timber pest inspection — all species
✓Suitable for vendor statement and conveyancing
✓Thermal imaging + moisture metering
✓Written report within 24 hours
✓Combinable with building inspection on request

How the inspection works

What happens during and after a Multi Pest Control termite inspection

Why choose us

Why Melbourne homeowners choose Multi Pest Control for termite inspections

Treatment independent advice

If termites are found, we provide written treatment options without pressure. A second quote is always reasonable our report gives you the information to compare.

Thermal imaging included

A calibrated thermal imaging camera is used on every inspection not available for an add-on fee. It is a standard tool of a compliant AS 3660.2 inspection.

Report within 24 hours

Written reports emailed within 24 hours of the inspection suitable for property purchases, insurance requirements, and termite barrier warranty conditions.

1.5 – 2.5 hours on site

We take the time a compliant inspection requires. An inspector who is finished in under 60 minutes is not completing an AS 3660.2 compliant inspection.

AS 3660.2:2017 compliant

Every inspection follows the full AS 3660.2:2017 methodology all four methods, all accessible areas, systematic inspection that takes the time required.

All Melbourne suburbs

Same week bookings available across all Melbourne zones. Eastern and bayside suburbs Melbourne's highest termite risk areas receive priority scheduling.

Coverage

Termite inspections across Melbourne

We carry out AS 3660.2:2017 termite inspections across all Melbourne suburbs priority scheduling for high-risk areas including the eastern suburbs, bayside, and Mornington Peninsula.

Common questions

Termite inspection Melbourne frequently asked questions

Book a termite inspection for your Melbourne home

Tell us your suburb, property type, and when you last had an inspection, we'll confirm a same-week booking and a fixed price.

24/7 Emergency & Same-Day Service Available -Servicing All Melbourne Suburbs

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