How much does a termite inspection cost? [2025]

Termites are one of the most destructive pests for Aussie homeowners, and if you’ve found yourself with a termite infestation within your home, you are not alone. These tiny invaders can compromise your home's structural integrity before you even realize they're there, making regular termite inspections an essential maintenance task for homeowners around the country.

This guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know about termite inspections, from understanding costs and preparing your home to finding the best pest control pros near you. 

• What are termites and how do they get into your home?

• How much does termite inspection cost?

• Why are termite inspections important?

• How to prepare for a termite inspection

• What treatments are available for termite infestations?

• How to prevent termite infestations

• How to find the right termite inspector 

What are termites and how do they get into your home?

Termites are small insects that feed on wood and other structural materials found in houses. Termites live in large colonies, so if you find evidence of one termite in your house, unfortunately it may mean that a large portion of your house is infested with these pests. Termites are attracted to moisture found in wood and often find their way into your home through cracks in your building exteriors. 

If you are wondering how to tell if you have termites, the tell-tale signs are:

• You can hear them: Termites often emit clicking sounds and crunching noises as they move throughout your home and feed on the wooden structures within it. You can usually hear these noises within your home or if you put your ear up to the walls

• Termite remains: If you find small droppings, termite wings or flying termite, it is highly likely your home is infested

• Mud tubes: Termites build small tubes made of soil and dirt to act as their protection. You can spot these tubes on the exteriors of your house

• Damage to your house: If you are experiencing damages to the wood in your house, including your doors and windows, it might be worth having a professional inspect your house for termites

How much does termite inspection cost?

Termite treatment costs for your unique home will vary based on factors like property size, inspection type and your geographical location. 

Basic visual termite inspections typically cost between $200 and $300. These inspections involve a pest control professional coming in to examine accessible areas of your home for visible signs of termite activity, including mud tubes, damaged wood, or actual termites.

Thermal imaging termite inspections may be the right route for you if you’re looking for a more comprehensive solution. Thermal imaging can cost between $300 to $500, using infrared technology to detect termite activity behind walls and in other hidden areas that visual inspections might miss. While more expensive, thermal imaging can detect termite infestations much earlier, potentially saving you from spending more money with repair costs.

Pre-purchase termite inspections are available if you're purchasing a new property and want to make sure that it’s in top-notch shape. These typically cost between $400 and $600.

Why are termite inspections important?

Unlike many home maintenance issues that show visible warning signs before any major damage occurs, termite damage often remains hidden until it's extensive. These silent destroyers can compromise your home's structural integrity by feeding on wooden supports, flooring, and even furniture without being detected, making inspections crucial. 

How to prepare for a termite inspection

Timing is super important when it comes to termite inspections. Most pest control experts recommend annual inspections for all Aussie homes, regardless of where you live or the type of home you have. As a general rule of thumb, spring and early summer are the best times to get a termite inspection as these warm, humid months coincide with peak termite activity. 

If you suspect you may have termites and you have scheduled a termite inspection, there are a couple of steps to take in order to prep your home:

• Move your furniture away from your walls. The inspectors will need to have accessibility to the walls of your house to test the moisture levels, and moving the furniture away from the house after they arrive is not an efficient use of time. Have all the furniture away from the walls and into the centre of the room ahead of time

• Remove any items from areas where there is a lot of moisture, such as under and around your sinks, around all your pipes, and in your kitchens and bathrooms

• Cut back any overgrown vegetation around your house and up against your exterior walls to make these spaces accessible

• Make sure the inspectors have access to entry and exit points, including garage doors, your roof and attic/basements

• Secure your pets in a safe area away from the inspection. This helps your termite inspector do their job without distractions and makes sure that your pets won't be exposed to any equipment or detection tools

What treatments are available for termite infestations?

If an inspection reveals termites in your home, several treatment options are available depending on the severity and location of the infestation: 

• Chemical treatment: This treatment uses insecticides to kill termites on contact. These barriers typically last 5 to 8 years and cost between $2,000 to $3,500 for an average home

• Physical barriers: For new constructions or major renovations, physical barriers like stainless steel mesh or crushed rock can be installed to prevent termite entry

• Termite baits: Baits can be placed around the home that disrupt termite growth, eliminating colonies over time. This process typically costs $2,500 to $3,500 with annual maintenance fees of $300 to $600

• Liquid termiticides: These can be applied directly to the wood in your home, and are best for localised infestations

• Fumigation: In severe cases, whole-house fumigation may be needed to get rid of infestations. This method is the most expensive option, costing between $5,000 to $10,000 and requires you to temporarily relocate when the treatment is being carried out

How to prevent termite infestations

It is important to implement termite prevention steps to reduce your risk of getting an infestation. Some steps you can take include:

• Remove any unnecessary wood from your home: Keep firewood and extra timber away from your house to prevent an accidental infestation. Make sure to treat any wooden objects that you keep in your house and keep them free from moisture as much as possible.

• Create a termite barrier: This is a good way to prevent a termite infestation in your home. These can be quite costly depending on the size and type of your home, so it is best to ask a professional termite exterminator for a quote and their advice

• Reduce soil-to-wood contact around your property: Keep garden beds and mulch at least 15cm away from your foundation, and make sure that any wooden fence posts, stairs, and decking are not in direct contact with your soil

• Repair any damage as soon as possible: Repair damaged pipes, roofs and walls in your house as soon as possible to prevent termite infestations, as they love to infest damp areas.

• Maintain proper drainage: This prevents moisture from accumulating around your home - something that termites love.

How to find a good termite inspection businesses

Choosing the right pest control professional is crucial for top-notch termite management: 

• Verify proper licensing and insurance: Ask for their license number to ensure that they’re properly qualified for the job

• Ask about their inspection process: Quality termite inspectors will follow Australian standards and should be able to clearly explain their process, including what areas they'll examine and what equipment they'll be using

• Check reviews: Pest control businesses should have their reviews visible so you can get a feel of their quality of work. They should also be able to provide testimonials from previous customers too 

• Get multiple quotes: At hipages, we recommend getting at least 3 quotes from pest control businesses so you can shop around and pick the best fit for your job. Compare what's included in each quote, including follow-up visits and warranties