Termites in Your Pest Report? Here's What to Do (2026 Guide)
Termite findings are the most anxiety-inducing part of any pest inspection report. The language is technical ("Coptotermes acinaciformis," "conducive conditions," "chemical soil barrier integrity unverifiable"), and it's hard to tell whether you're looking at a minor maintenance item or a $20,000 structural problem.
## Active vs. Previous Activity
This is the single most important distinction in any pest report:
**Previous activity** - Termites have been here before, but aren't currently present. Damage has occurred but isn't getting worse right now. This is common and manageable - roughly 1 in 3 Australian homes has had some termite activity.
**Active activity** - Live termites are currently present and feeding. This is serious. The extent of damage may not be fully visible without invasive inspection (cutting into walls). Immediate treatment is required.
## Common Termite Species
**Coptotermes acinaciformis** - The most destructive species in Australia. Builds large underground nests and can cause significant structural damage in 3–6 months of undetected feeding.
**Schedorhinotermes** - Second most destructive. Often found in homes near bushland.
**Nasutitermes** - Builds visible mound nests. Generally less destructive to structural timbers but can still cause damage.
## What "Conducive Conditions" Means
Inspectors will note conditions that make your property attractive to termites:
- **Form timber or debris in contact with soil** - Leftover construction timber in the subfloor gives termites a food source and bridge to your house. Fix: $500–$1,500 to clear.
- **Inadequate subfloor ventilation** - Moisture attracts termites. Fix: $2,500–$6,000 for mechanical ventilation.
- **Garden beds against walls** - Soil and mulch touching the building gives termites concealed access. Fix: create a 75mm inspection gap.
- **Leaking plumbing or taps** - Moisture source. Fix the leak.
## Treatment Options and Costs
**Chemical soil barrier** - A continuous treated zone around the building perimeter. Most common treatment. Cost: $2,500–$5,000 for a full perimeter treatment. Lasts 5–8 years.
**Baiting system** - Stations installed around the perimeter that termites feed on and carry back to the colony. Cost: $3,000–$5,000 to install + $500–$800/year for monitoring.
**Spot treatment** - Localised chemical treatment for a known entry point. Cost: $500–$1,500. Not a long-term solution on its own.
## Timber Damage Repair Costs
- Bearer or joist replacement: $1,500–$4,000
- Stump replacement (per stump): $300–$800
- Full restumping: $10,000–$30,000
- Timber floor replacement (per room): $3,000–$8,000
## What to Do Next
1. **Don't panic** - Previous activity with no live termites is common and manageable
2. **Check the barrier status** - If the report says the chemical barrier is "unverifiable" or "expired," budget for a new treatment
3. **Get a treatment quote** - Use the findings to get quotes from licensed pest controllers
4. **Budget for ongoing protection** - Annual inspections ($250–$400) are essential in termite-prone areas
5. **Negotiate** - Deduct treatment and repair costs from the purchase price
## Upload Your Pest Report
Upload your pest inspection to ReportWise for a plain-English analysis with severity ratings, treatment cost estimates, and questions to ask the seller about termite history and warranties.