What's different in Ashfield
Federation streets, original timber
Inner West Council's heritage notes for the Federal-Fyle area describe streets developed after 1879, mostly in the Federation to Inter-war period. They list timber-framed windows, panelled doors, shingled gables and picket fences, plus a few weatherboards from about 1890 to 1910. That's plenty for a termite inspector to look over.
Flats from two eras
The same notes record Inter-war Art Deco flats and 1960s to 1970s blocks among the houses. Shared walls and shared bin rooms change how a cockroach or rat job runs.
Fire ants in the inner west
The NSW Government reported fire ants at Enfield, in the inner west, on 13 October 2026. Coppery ants with mounds of loose soil are a call to the NSW Biosecurity Helpline, wherever in Sydney you live.
House or flat: what changes
| In an older house | In a flat or unit block | |
|---|---|---|
| Where to start | A timber pest inspection, with access to the roof space and the subfloor (the space under a raised floor) | Tell the strata manager or landlord, since the source may not be in your unit |
| The usual worry | Termites in old timber, rats in the roof, possums | German cockroaches in kitchens, rats around bin rooms |
| Notice before pesticide | Between you and the technician | Common areas need a pesticide use notice at least 5 working days before, except emergency work on biting or dangerous pests |
Why old timber gets looked at first
Age alone doesn't mean termites. But CSIRO says damaged timber can keep a wafer thin outer skin, so a frame can look sound from across the room.
If you spot mud tubes or timber that's gone soft, leave them exactly as they are and get someone in. Our termite inspections page covers what they look at. In a heritage conservation area, talk to the council before any proofing changes original details.
Worth asking on an older Ashfield house
- Can you get into the subfloor and the roof space, and what couldn't you reach?
- Which timbers should I keep an eye on between visits?
- What's the full name of the product you'd use?
- Can I see the safety data sheet before you start?
Our take on pests in Ashfield
On a house that hasn't been inspected in years, we'd do the timber pest inspection first, then deal with whatever's keeping you awake. In a flat, tell the strata manager before spending anything, because a problem in one kitchen can be the building's problem.
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.
