Most Queensland homeowners know they should get a termite inspection every year — but there's a question that comes up again and again: Is a pest inspection the same thing? Do I need both? And how much should it actually cost?
The short answer is that a general pest inspection and a termite inspection are two distinct services that check for different things. Some companies bundle them together, others don't mention the difference at all. This guide explains exactly what each inspection covers, what you can expect on inspection day, and how Sunshine Coast homeowners can get both done in a single visit at the best possible price.
Pest Inspection vs. Termite Inspection: What's the Difference?
A general pest inspection is a visual assessment of your home for active infestations of common household pests: cockroaches, ants, spiders, silverfish, rodents and similar species. The inspector checks roof voids, wall cavities, subfloor spaces, kitchens, bathrooms and external areas. If an active infestation is found, they'll recommend and often apply a targeted treatment during the same visit.
A termite inspection is a separate, more specialised process governed by Australian Standard AS3660.2. It focuses entirely on timber-destroying organisms — primarily termites (white ants), but also wood borers and fungal decay. The inspector checks every accessible timber in the structure: roof framing, wall studs, skirting boards, subfloor bearers and joists, external fences and garden structures. A compliant report must be provided in writing after every inspection.
On the Sunshine Coast, Mick at Radar Pest Control offers both inspections separately or as a combined visit — and combining them is almost always the smarter choice.
What's Included in a Termite Inspection?
A thorough termite inspection on the Sunshine Coast covers every accessible area of your property where termites may be active or entering. Here's what Mick checks during a full AS3660.2-compliant inspection:
- Roof void — trusses, rafters, sarking and any timber-to-masonry junctions
- Internal wall cavities — using Termatrac T3i radar detection to check for movement behind walls without drilling
- Subfloor space — bearers, joists, piers and soil contact points
- External perimeter — weep holes, expansion joints, garden beds and landscaping timbers
- Outbuildings — sheds, pergolas, fences and retaining walls
- Moisture mapping — high-moisture readings often reveal termite activity before visible damage appears
Radar Pest Control uses the Termatrac T3i — a microwave radar device that detects termite movement through walls and floors without any invasive drilling or probing. This technology is not standard with all pest companies; it allows Mick to identify active colonies in hidden locations that a visual inspection alone would miss.
After the inspection, you receive a detailed written report with photos documenting any evidence of termite activity, past damage, conducive conditions (things that make your home attractive to termites) and recommendations for treatment or protection.
What's Included in a General Pest Inspection?
The general pest inspection checks for active infestations and pest pressures across your home. On the Sunshine Coast, the most common pests encountered include:
- Cockroaches — particularly German and Australian species in kitchens and roof voids
- Rodents — rats and mice nesting in roof spaces, especially in autumn and winter
- Ants — black ants, coastal brown ants and fire ants in and around the property
- Spiders — redbacks under eaves and in garden areas, huntsman in roof voids
- Silverfish — in wardrobes, bookcases and roof insulation
If an active infestation is identified, Mick will discuss treatment options on the spot. General pest treatments are family-safe and pet-safe once dry — typically within a few hours of application. Queensland's subtropical climate means pest pressure is year-round, making annual inspections genuinely worthwhile rather than just a box-ticking exercise.
How Much Does a Pest and Termite Inspection Cost?
Nationally, termite inspection costs range from $200 to $600 depending on property size, the inspector's credentials and the equipment used. Here's what Radar Pest Control charges on the Sunshine Coast:
There are no hidden fees or call-out charges. The price you're quoted is the price you pay. For Buderim, Bli Bli, Nambour and surrounding areas, the combined termite and pest inspection is consistently the most popular choice — one visit, one report, complete peace of mind.
How Long Does an Inspection Take?
A termite-only inspection typically takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. The time varies based on:
- The size of the property (number of rooms, storeys and outbuildings)
- Whether there is a subfloor or slab-on-ground construction
- Access to the roof void
- The number of garden structures, sheds and fences on the property
Combining general pest and termite inspections in a single visit adds relatively little time compared to booking them separately on different days. Most Sunshine Coast homes are completed within two to three hours total. Mick works methodically through the full property and never rushes the process — a rushed termite inspection misses things.
How Often Should You Get a Pest and Termite Inspection?
Australian Standard AS3660 recommends a termite inspection at a minimum of every 12 months. For higher-risk properties — timber-framed homes, properties with known termite history nearby, homes near bushland or with garden beds against the structure — inspections every 6 months are recommended.
The Sunshine Coast is one of the highest-risk termite regions in Australia. Queensland's warm, humid subtropical climate means termites are active year-round rather than seasonally. Suburbs like Buderim, Bli Bli, Nambour and Maroochydore all have well-documented termite pressure, particularly on properties backing onto bushland or with mature garden trees.
Pairing your termite inspection with an annual general pest inspection makes practical sense. One visit per year is enough to stay on top of both pest and termite risk, keep your home covered and maintain any termite protection warranty conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. A standard general pest inspection covers active infestations of cockroaches, ants, spiders, rodents and similar pests. Termites are a separate inspection category governed by Australian Standard AS3660, which requires a dedicated visual inspection of all accessible timbers, roof void, subfloor and perimeter. Radar Pest Control offers both as a combined inspection — the easiest and most cost-effective way to cover your home.
At Radar Pest Control, a termite inspection is $280 and a general pest inspection is $260. When you book both together as the Complete Protection combo, the total is $480 — saving you $60. Nationally, termite inspection costs range from $200 to $600 depending on property size, inspector credentials and the technology used. Radar uses Termatrac T3i radar detection technology, which is included in the inspection price.
A thorough termite inspection alone typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the size of the property, number of outbuildings, roof void access and whether a subfloor is present. Adding a general pest inspection extends the visit slightly. Mick works methodically through the entire property — roof void, subfloor, internal timbers, external perimeter and garden — so you receive a complete picture in a single visit.
A compliant termite inspection under Australian Standard AS3660.2 includes a visual inspection of all accessible internal timbers, wall cavities (using Termatrac radar or moisture meters), roof void, subfloor space, external perimeter, retaining walls, garden beds and any external structures such as fences and sheds. Mick uses Termatrac T3i technology, which detects termite movement through walls without drilling or causing damage. You receive a written report with photos.
Australian Standard AS3660 recommends termite inspections at least every 12 months — more frequently (every 6 months) for high-risk properties or those in termite-prone areas. The Sunshine Coast's subtropical climate makes it one of the highest-risk regions in Australia. General pest inspections are recommended annually, usually timed with termite inspections so you cover everything in one visit.
If Mick finds active termites or termite damage during an inspection, he documents everything clearly in a written report with photos and explains your options on the spot. Depending on the species and infestation size, treatment options include chemical barriers, physical barriers, baiting systems or targeted dusting treatments. There is no pressure — the report is yours and the decision is always yours. Most Sunshine Coast homeowners opt to treat immediately given the speed at which termites can cause structural damage.
Yes — booking a combined pest and termite inspection as the Complete Protection combo saves $60 compared to booking each inspection separately. More importantly, combining both means a single visit, one report and a complete picture of every active pest threat and every termite risk on your property. For Sunshine Coast homeowners, doing both annually is the most practical way to stay ahead of Queensland's pest season.