Three timber pest categories
Termites, borers, and fungal decay - the trio of biological threats to structural timber. Each category has different detection methods and recommended actions.
AS 4349.3-2010
Timber Pest Inspections
The Australian Standard for timber pest inspections. Covers three categories: subterranean termites (especially Coptotermes acinaciformis in Adelaide), timber borer activity, and fungal decay - plus assessment of conducive conditions on site.
SCOPE
What's inspected under this standard.
- Subterranean termite activity and evidence
- Drywood termite activity (rare in metro Adelaide but possible)
- Timber borer activity (current and historic)
- Wood-decay fungi (wet rot, dry rot)
- Conducive conditions on site that attract or sustain timber pests
WHAT THE STANDARD DEFINES
Key requirements and structure.
Active vs historic activity
Reports must distinguish between current/active pest activity and historic/dormant signs. This affects treatment urgency.
Conducive conditions assessment
Site conditions that attract or sustain timber pests: timber-to-ground contact, sub-floor moisture, blocked vents, vegetation against external walls, sleepers in garden beds.
Risk rating and recommended action
Each finding is rated for severity. Recommendations distinguish between further investigation, treatment, conducive-condition correction, and ongoing monitoring.
WHO USES IT
Inspections under this standard are typically for...
- Pre-purchase buyers of any pre-1987 home (typical combo with AS 4349.1)
- Adelaide Hills, established eastern suburb, and termite-corridor property buyers
- Owners arranging annual termite monitoring
- Anyone with suspected mud-tubes, frass, or unexplained timber damage
REPORT REQUIREMENTS
Every compliant report includes these.
- Property identification
- Inspection date and weather (affects termite behaviour)
- Inspector licence, insurance, and timber pest qualifications
- All accessible timber elements visually inspected (or noted as inaccessible)
- Moisture meter readings on suspect timber
- Photographic evidence of any activity or conducive conditions
- Active vs historic activity clearly distinguished
- Risk rating and clear recommended next steps
LIMITATIONS
What this standard doesn't cover
AS 4349.3 is non-invasive visual inspection. The inspector cannot break through wall surfaces, lift carpets, or destructively test timber. Some timber pest activity is concealed and may not be detected. AS 4349.3 is condition assessment, not a guarantee of future pest-free status.
RELATED INSPECTIONS
Inspections conducted under AS 4349.3
OTHER STANDARDS
Related standards in the AS 4349 family
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