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Identifying Termite Damage: A Guide for Homebuyers

When purchasing a property in the Sunshine Coast, one of the biggest threats to your investment is invisible to the naked eye — termites. These tiny pests cause more damage to Australian homes each year than fire, storms, and floods combined.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to identify termite damage, what it means for your property, and how a professional pest inspection can save you thousands in repairs.

Why Termite Inspections Matter

Termites thrive in warm, humid environments — making the Sunshine Coast an ideal habitat. The damage they cause can remain hidden for years, weakening a home’s structural integrity and resale value.

Early detection is critical. That’s why a combined building and pest inspection is essential before purchasing any property.

Signs of Termite Activity

A trained pest inspector can detect subtle signs of an infestation. Here are common indicators of termite presence:

– Mud tubes on walls or foundations
– Hollow-sounding timber
– Sagging floors or ceilings
– Small holes in plaster or wood
– Discarded wings from swarming termites

If you notice any of these, schedule an inspection immediately.

What Termite Damage Looks Like

Termites eat wood from the inside out, so damage may not be visible until it’s severe. In advanced cases, you might see:

– Wood that crumbles easily
– Bubbling or uneven paint
– Doors and windows that stick
– Skirting boards separating from the wall

By the time these signs appear, the infestation may already be widespread.

How We Inspect for Termites

At Sharpeye Building Inspections, our licensed pest inspectors use:

– Moisture meters
– Thermal imaging cameras
– Sounding tools

These help us detect termite activity behind walls, under floors, and in roof cavities — places you can’t see during an open home.

What Happens if Termites Are Found?

If we detect active termites or past damage, your report will include:

– Extent of the damage
– Whether treatment has been applied
– Recommendations for further action
– Photos and location details

This allows you to negotiate with the seller or request repairs before proceeding.

Protecting Your Investment

Even if you’ve already purchased a home, regular termite inspections can prevent long-term damage. We recommend:

– Annual inspections
– Keeping gardens and mulch away from the foundation
– Fixing leaks and improving ventilation
– Using termite-resistant building materials

Our inspectors can provide tailored advice based on your home’s condition.

Why Choose Sharpeye?

We bring over 30 years of experience and offer:

– Licensed building and pest inspectors
– 24-hour report delivery
– Affordable, local service across the Sunshine Coast
– Reports that meet Australian Standards

Our goal is to give you peace of mind and protect your property for the long term.

Book Your Inspection Today

Don’t let termites eat away at your investment. Whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining a property, we’ve got you covered.

Book an inspection today with Sharpeye Building Inspections.

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