Wood Destroying Insect Inspection

Service Description

Thermal imaging plays a significant role in integrated pest management (IPM) by providing a non-invasive, efficient, and precise method to inspect for Wood Destroying Insects (WDI) such as Termites, Horntail Wasps, Wood-boring Beetles, Carpenter Ants and Carpenter Bees within building structures. 1. Detecting Heat Pattern Anomalies •Termites and other wood-boring insects alter the normal heat patterns of building materials. Their metabolic activity, nests, and the moisture they introduce (such as in mud tubes) cause subtle temperature differences in walls, floors, and ceilings. •Thermal cameras capture these temperature anomalies as visible "hot spots" (often red or yellow) or "cold spots" (blue or purple) on a thermal image, pinpointing areas of infestation or damage that are invisible to the naked eye. 2. Locating Hidden Infestations Early •Traditional inspection methods, such as tapping wood or visual checks, may miss hidden colonies or early-stage damage. Thermal imaging enables early detection by revealing concealed termite or carpenter ant activity before it becomes visible or causes significant structural harm. •Early identification allows for targeted intervention, reducing unnecessary chemical use and minimizing repair costs. 3. Non-Invasive and Time-Efficient •Thermal imaging is non-destructive; it does not require drilling, probing, or dismantling structures. Inspectors can scan large or hard-to-reach areas quickly, including high ceilings or behind walls, without damaging the property. •This efficiency aligns with IPM principles by reducing disruption and focusing control measures only where needed. 4. Supporting Decision-Making and Documentation •Thermal images provide visual proof of infestations, which can be used to justify targeted treatments or to avoid unnecessary pesticide application. This supports IPM’s emphasis on evidence-based, non-toxic interventions. •Inspectors can monitor the effectiveness of treatments over time by comparing thermal images before and after interventions, ensuring that pest management strategies are working as intended. 5. Detecting Associated Problems •Besides termites, thermal imaging can reveal other issues such as moisture intrusion (which attracts termites), rodent nests, or insulation anomalies, offering a holistic view of building health and pest risks. Inspection tariffs are hourly based within a 20km radius of our office.