What a Cairns inspection is up against
The giant northern termite
Business Queensland calls it the most destructive subterranean termite, found in tropical northern Queensland, and its soldiers can reach 13 mm. The Australian Museum says it has the greatest potential for destruction, and is limited to tropical northern Australia.
Drywood termites, indoors
Two drywood species, Cryptotermes domesticus and C. cynocephalus, occur around Cairns and further north. CSIRO says they leave gritty frass, like sand or ground pepper, under holes in wood that may be only 1 mm wide, so the inspection has to cover the inside of the house, not just under it.
Built for the north, or not
The QBCC says building in the north of Queensland calls for a higher standard of termite protection. Ask what system this house has, when it went in and when it was last inspected.
Tiny golden ants in the garden
Cairns is inside the electric ant biosecurity zone. If you spot slow, golden brown ants about 1.5 mm long under stones, blocks, sleepers or logs, report them to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
Building inspector or termite inspector?
They're different trades in Queensland, and the QBCC spells out who does what. A residential building inspector with a QBCC licence writes the building report. The termite report needs a pest controller holding termite licensing, and for inspecting and reporting on termites in a finished building that includes the QBCC's termite management (chemical) class plus a Queensland Health pest management licence.
The QBCC tells buyers to check an inspector's licence before hiring them. You can look a Cairns inspector up on the QBCC contractor register, which the state posts as open data and updates every day.
Ask these before you book
- Will you check inside for drywood termites, as well as the subfloor, roof space and garden?
- Which licences do you hold for termite work, and the numbers?
- Will the report say what termite system is installed and how to maintain it?
- Will you note anything the building inspector should look at, like leaks near timber?
- Can I come along on the day?
Spotted something at the open home?
Point it out to the inspector and leave it as it is, frass piles on windowsills included. CSIRO notes that several control options rely on finding termites still active.
Reading the report in the wet season
Far North Queensland's wet runs from December to March. In March 2024 the QBCC warned that wet weather combined with the north's high humidity helps termites flourish, so a house inspected in the wet is worth reading with an eye on leaks, drainage and timber close to damp ground.
Where we'd start with pre-purchase pest inspections in Cairns
We'd make the contract subject to the building and pest results, choose a termite inspector who'll look indoors for drywood frass, and walk the house with them. Then tap Buying a home with the address.
Want someone to look at it?
Tell us what you've seen and your postcode, and a local pest business that handles exactly that calls you to talk it through.
