A thorough termite inspection is paramount to good termite control. This should be done with theaid of a microwave termite tracking machine called “Termatrac”, a moisture meter, strong torch,termite donger, and a screwdriver. A fibre-optic borescope can be helpful when looking insidewall cavities. Some companies use a stethoscope to listen for termite activity. I have usedthese, though I prefer using the "thump" method after using Termatrac. This method involvesmethodically thumping walls and timber, pausing to listen for termite activity at every squaremetre of internal gyprock and plaster walls.

Termites communicate by a faintly audible tapping noise made with their mandibles. When they sense danger to the nest, this noise is greatly increased in volume. By moderately thumping and listening, it is possible to locate areas of termite activity.

A moisture meter is an electronic tool, which is used to determine if high levels of moisture are retained throughout wall linings or timber. This may indicate areas where large numbers of termites have gathered in a wall nest. The meter is less able to pick up smaller numbers of termites and occasionally gives false readings. It is however, a valuable tool, which should be used in conjunction with other methods.

Termite dongers are thin lengths of fibre-glass with a plastic ball stuck on the end. They are used for rapping skirting boards, timber frames and the like for signs of hollowness, indicating termite attack. They may also reach high up in a room where a stepladder was once used.

Screw drivers are used to "sound out" timbers as well as testing their soundness by probing and prising up slivers of timber for detection of termite activity in hard-to-access areas such as tight roof voids.

Expert termite baiting of the active infestation is the next step in this process.Exterra above ground baits are the preferred choice in Sydney Australia. Once the termites are fed the bait, they take it back to the nest, hopefully destroying the whole colony.

Colony detection and subsequent destruction is strangely the second last step in this process. We leave it near the end because we need to monitor the colony to ascertain whether the baiting is being successful.

Termite baiting is used when only small number of termites are present inside structures, where termites have been disturbed or if entry points are hidden or unclear.

If we are absolutely positive that this and other colonies within 100 metres of the property are stopped, we can rest assured that the treatment to the property has successfully controlled termites. Regular inspections from this point might be satisfactory for some people.

The installation of termite barriers is the last step. In Sydney, Termidor is the most successful termiticide. Barriers are chemically treated soil that is in place around termite entry points. The dimensions must be of a height and width that complies with the Standards for termite control.

The experience of homeowners nationwide shows that no home, new or old in Sydney Australia is safe from termites. By building mini tubes, termites can cross concrete, brick, metal termite shields, pre-treated wood, or even a professionally applied termite barrier. Landscaping activities by the homeowner are also capable of disturbing the barrier-thus creating entry points for termites to attack your home.