If you own a home around Banora Point, you have probably booked a “pest inspection” at some point and assumed termites were part of the deal. Often they are not. A general pest inspection and a dedicated termite inspection are two different jobs, and the gap between them is exactly where hidden damage tends to hide.
Here is how the two differ, and why booking both is the safer call for a timber-framed home in a warm, humid part of northern NSW.
What a General Pest Inspection Covers
A general pest inspection looks at the pests that affect how you live in your home day to day. On a typical visit we check for signs of:
- Cockroaches, ants and spiders around kitchens, wall cavities and subfloors
- Rodents in the roof void, garage and storage areas
- Wasp and bee activity around eaves and gardens
- Entry points, moisture issues and conditions that invite pests back
It is a broad sweep of the property, built to catch active infestations early. What it is not built to do is trace the quiet, structural threat that termites pose.
Where a Termite Inspection Goes Further
A termite inspection is a focused, methodical check for one of the most damaging problems a home can face. Rather than a broad look, it targets the places termites travel and feed: timber framing, subfloors, skirting, door frames, the roof void and the ground around your foundations.
A qualified inspector reads the signs most owners never notice, such as mud leads, hollow-sounding timber, blistered paint and the moisture termites are drawn to. Because the damage happens inside the timber, out of sight, a surface glance rarely catches it. It is the difference between catching a problem early and paying for major structural repairs later.
Termites can be active in a wall for months before anything shows on the surface. By the time you see it, the repair bill is already growing.
Why One Without the Other Leaves a Gap
A general pest inspection keeps the everyday nuisances in check, but it is not designed to certify your home against termites. A termite inspection protects the structure, but it is not looking at the roach or rodent pressure that affects your comfort and hygiene.
Rely on only one and you cover half the risk. For a timber home in a subtropical climate like the Tweed, where warmth and moisture suit termites almost year round, booking a professional pest inspection alongside a termite check is how you close that gap.
What We Check on a Banora Point Property
Homes around Banora Point share a few traits that shape how we inspect: timber framing, gardens close to the slab, and the steady humidity of living near the coast and the river. On each visit we pay close attention to the subfloor and roof void where activity often starts unseen, the moisture points around bathrooms and external taps, and the garden beds and timber that sit against the house.
How Often Should You Book Each?
For most homes in the area, a termite inspection once every twelve months is the sensible baseline, with a general pest inspection timed to whatever pest pressure you see through the year. Older homes, or ones with a history of activity, may suit a tighter schedule.
If you are not sure where yours sits, get in touch with our team and we will help you set a schedule that keeps both risks covered.
