What our pest inspection report includes
Timber pest inspection reports across Melbourne vary substantially in investigative rigour and evidentiary detail. While basic inspection templates rely on generic tick-boxes and broad liability waivers, our reports are structured strictly around Australian Standard AS 4349.3, providing verifiable diagnostic proof, quantitative moisture measurements, and high-resolution photographic documentation.
Every report is issued under the business name and signed by the attending licensed technician with their licence number recorded on the report. Below is a side-by-side comparison illustrating how our comprehensive documentation compares against a typical generic inspection report.
Report comparison: typical generic report vs our report
A clear side-by-side analysis of the documentation, diagnostic instrumentation, and evidentiary detail provided in every completed inspection.
| Report Section | Typical Generic Inspection Report | Mate's Termite & Pest Control Report |
|---|---|---|
| Photographs | 3 to 6 low-resolution snapshots, primarily of the front facade and roof void hatch. Little to no photographic documentation of subfloor timbers, weep holes, or specific perimeter defect locations. | 30 to 60+ high-resolution digital photographs detailing every accessible structural zone: interior wet areas, subfloor framing, roof void trusses, weep hole clearances, boundary fences, and specific defects. |
| Moisture readings | Vague generalised statement such as "moisture checked and found normal" with no quantitative percentage moisture data or testing locations recorded. | Quantitative percentage moisture readings logged across all internal wet area wall linings (bathrooms, laundries, kitchen splashbacks) and subfloor baseplates using calibrated diagnostic meters. |
| Thermal findings | Single tick-box stating "Thermal imaging camera used" with no radiometric imagery, calibration parameters, or surface temperature variance documented. | High-resolution radiometric thermal images paired with optical reference photographs, documenting baseline Delta-T temperature variance to confirm or rule out concealed termite clusters and moisture pockets. |
| Areas inspected | Broad category checkboxes (e.g., "Interior: Yes, Roof: Yes, Subfloor: Yes") lacking dimensional boundaries, crawl distances, or specific zone limits. | Complete itemised structural inventory specifying all inspected internal rooms, joinery, subfloor crawl space (with clearance heights logged), roof framing, perimeter brickwork, and grounds within 30 metres of the building and inside the property boundaries. |
| Areas not accessible and why | Blanket exclusion clauses with generic disclaimers stating "concealed areas not inspected", without identifying property-specific physical obstructions or crawl restrictions. | Explicit documentation of every restricted zone (e.g. subfloor clearance under 400mm, ducted heating trunking, fixed reflective foil, stored garage goods), the specific obstruction, and the associated structural risk level. |
| Conducive conditions | Brief, generic comment (e.g. "remove timber from garden") without systematically cataloguing environmental moisture or structural entry vectors. | Systematic audit of environmental risk factors under AS 4349.3: hot water relief pipe discharge, leaking downpipes, garden soil bridging weep holes, timber-to-soil contact, and inadequate subfloor cross-ventilation. |
| Species identification | Vague notation such as "evidence of active termites or wood borers" without biological classification, structural risk severity, or nesting behaviour details. | Precise taxonomic identification (e.g., Coptotermes acinaciformis, Nasutitermes exitiosus, Heterotermes ferox), detailing species foraging range, colony aggression, and structural timber threat level. |
| Recommended action | Generic promotional recommendation stating "contact our office for a quote on a chemical treatment program". | Objective, prioritised management recommendations under AS 3660.2: immediate plumbing repairs, ventilation fixes, and specific chemical soil barrier or baiting system options with transparent price ranges. |
| Technician signature and licence number | Unsigned, stamped with a company logo, or signed by an administrative office clerk who was never present on site. | Issued under the business name and physically signed by the attending licensed technician who conducted the inspection, with their Victorian pest control licence number recorded on the report. |
Detailed breakdown of each report section
The difference between a generic template and an AS 4349.3 timber pest inspection lies in the depth of diagnostic proof. Below is an examination of each section of our report and why rigorous documentation matters to property buyers and homeowners.
1. High-Resolution Photographic Evidence
A standard report containing fewer than ten photographs leaves property owners blind to actual subfloor and roof void conditions. Our reports include between thirty and sixty high-resolution photographs documenting both sound structural framing and specific defect locations. Every photograph is date-stamped and clearly captioned, documenting perimeter weep hole clearances, subfloor ventilation grilles, plumbing penetrations, and any visible termite mud leads or structural timber decay.
2. Quantitative Moisture Readings
Subterranean termites depend on elevated moisture levels to construct mud exploratory leads and protect their desiccation-sensitive bodies. Rather than noting that moisture was checked generally, our technician records specific percentage moisture readings across all internal wet area wall linings. We test plasterboard and base plates adjacent to shower recesses, bathtubs, laundry troughs, and kitchen sinks using calibrated resistance pin meters. Readings exceeding 15% to 18% moisture content are flagged as high-risk conducive anomalies requiring immediate investigation.
3. Thermal Imaging Diagnostic Findings
Thermal imaging cameras detect infrared radiation emitted by building surfaces. Active termite sub-nests produce metabolic heat, while concealed pipe leaks create cooler evaporative thermal signatures. Our report does not merely state that a thermal camera was used; we include side-by-side radiometric thermal scans paired with standard optical reference photos, logging baseline Delta-T surface temperature variance. This provides verifiable evidence confirming or excluding hidden anomalies behind wall linings.
4. Itemised Inventory of Inspected Zones
Australian Standard AS 4349.3 mandates the systematic inspection of all accessible areas within 30 metres of the building and inside the property boundaries, as AS 4349.3 defines the site. Our report documents each zone individually: internal living areas, cupboards and built-in robes, accessible subfloor spaces (recording crawl heights and bearer clearance), roof voids (detailing truss design and insulation levels), external brick foundation walls, pergolas, carports, boundary timber fence lines, and mature tree stumps.
5. Documentation of Inaccessible Areas and Associated Risks
Every residential dwelling features physical limitations that prevent complete visual inspection. Generic reports often use vague liability waivers to dismiss uninspected zones. In our report, every restricted area is specifically identified with the exact physical barrier documented, such as subfloor ground clearance under 400mm, ducted heating ductwork obstructing crawl paths, fixed ceiling insulation batts, or dense personal storage in wardrobes. We explain the specific risk level associated with each restriction so property owners understand where future vulnerability exists.
6. Environmental Conducive Conditions Audit
Subterranean termites rarely attack homes without environmental factors attracting them toward the structure. Our report conducts an audit of all conducive conditions on site. This includes documenting hot water relief pipe discharge draining against external footings, disconnected roof downpipes, external garden beds or concrete paths bridging weep holes, timber pergolas with direct soil contact, and blocked subfloor terracotta vents preventing cross-ventilation.
7. Precise Biological Species Identification
Not all timber-attacking insects pose equal structural risk. When timber damage, borer frass, or active workings are detected, our attending licensed technician identifies the exact biological species. We differentiate high-risk destructive subterranean termites such as Coptotermes acinaciformis and Nasutitermes exitiosus from dampwood termites (Porotermes adamsoni) or timber borers (such as the common furniture borer, Anobium punctatum). The report details the specific foraging biology and structural threat level of the identified species.
8. Objective, Prioritised Recommendations
Our reports provide an unbiased, stepped rectification plan rather than a high-pressure sales pitch. Recommendations are divided into immediate structural repairs, plumbing maintenance to eliminate moisture traps, and chemical or physical management options under Australian Standard AS 3660.2. Where termite management is warranted, we outline both chemical soil barrier trenching and in-ground baiting system specifications alongside transparent price ranges, as detailed on our pest control pricing schedule.
9. Technician Signature & Licence Number Verification
A timber pest inspection report is a legal document that should only be executed by a qualified professional. In accordance with Victorian health regulations, our reports are issued under the business name and signed by the attending licensed technician who physically carried out the inspection, with their Victorian pest control licence number recorded on the report.
To understand how an inspection fits into our overall workflow, read our guide on how we work, or explore our dedicated termite inspection service and pre-purchase timber pest inspections.
How do you book an AS 4349.3 timber pest inspection?
Inspections are scheduled across Melbourne with signed PDF reports delivered within 24 hours. Call to discuss your property layout or book directly with an attending licensed technician.