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The short answer
Get a termite inspection at least every 12 months. That's the interval AS 3660 recommends, and it suits most Brisbane homes. Houses near bushland or creek lines, older timber homes and homes with a termite history may be worth checking more often, and Bruin will tell you what your property warrants after the first inspection.
How often should a Brisbane home have a termite inspection?
At least every 12 months. That's what the Australian Standard AS 3660 recommends, and it fits how termites behave here. Brisbane is warm and humid for most of the year, so colonies don't shut down for winter the way they might further south. A year is long enough for termites to find a way into a house and start feeding.
Twelve months is the minimum. Some homes are worth checking sooner, and the table below helps you work out whether yours is one of them.
How high risk is your home? A quick self-check
Go down the list and see which column sounds like your place.
| Factor | Lower risk | Higher risk |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Suburban street with little bushland nearby | Backs onto bushland or a creek line, such as around Chermside Hills or Downfall Creek |
| House type | Slab home with a current barrier and records | Older timber home or a Queenslander on stumps |
| Age of timber and stumps | Newer build with treated or resistant materials | Older timber, old stumps, past repairs |
| Garden | Clear gap around the walls | Mulch, garden beds or decking against the house |
| Moisture | Dry subfloor, no leaks | Leaking taps, poor drainage, damp subfloor |
| Termite history | None known | Past activity on the property or next door |
| Paperwork | Barrier or system with regular checks on record | No records, or the checks have lapsed |
Mostly lower risk? Every 12 months is your baseline. A few higher-risk rows? Ask your inspector whether checks every six months make sense for your house. They can give you a firmer answer after seeing the property.
Which months are termites most active in Brisbane?
Termites stay active in Brisbane all year. Flying termites often swarm after rain from October to December in south-east Queensland, which is when many people first notice them, but colonies keep working out of sight the rest of the year.
So book by your due date, not by season. If you see a swarm or discarded wings around windows and lights, book straight away and keep a few wings for the technician. Don't spray them.
Does a barrier or baiting system change the schedule?
A system adds to your inspections and doesn't replace them. Baiting stations need regular checks so the bait stays in place and any activity is caught. A chemical barrier needs regular inspections too, because paving, digging and building work can break the treated zone.
Manufacturer warranties and barrier certificates come with conditions, and those often include regular inspections or monitoring. Read your paperwork and keep it. A lapsed inspection can affect what a warranty covers, so check the terms. Bruin installs Trelona ATBS and Termidor treated zones, with ongoing monitoring, and we can tell you what applies to systems we've installed.
What can you do between inspections?
A few habits catch problems early and make the next inspection easier.
- Look along foundations, piers and the subfloor for mud tubes about pencil width.
- Tap skirting boards and door frames. Hollow or papery timber needs a closer look.
- Fix leaking taps, air-conditioning runoff and drainage problems near the house.
- Keep mulch, soil and garden beds clear of the walls, and timber off the ground.
- Keep your inspection reports and any barrier or system paperwork in one place.
If you find mud tubes, leave them alone. Breaking them open can disturb the colony and make treatment harder. Book an inspection instead.
When should you book a termite inspection sooner?
Don't wait for the 12 months to roll round if any of these apply.
- You're about to buy a house or unit, which calls for a pre-purchase timber pest inspection to AS 4349.3.
- You've seen mud tubes, swarming termites or discarded wings.
- You've finished a renovation, deck or landscaping job.
- There's been flooding or a long-term leak.
- A neighbour has found termites.
- You've bought a home with no termite records.
For the price side, read our guide to termite inspection costs in Brisbane. Bruin quotes each property, so call 1300 349 177 or book online.
Sources and further reading
- Standards Australia (AS 3660 and AS 4349.3)
- Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)
- Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)
- CSIRO
General information for South East Queensland conditions. Every property is different; a licensed inspection is the only way to know what is going on in yours.