Do I need a pest inspection when buying in Ipswich?
Yes, in most cases. The QBCC says termites are a problem throughout Queensland and recommends a licensed pest inspection every year. Before you buy, a timber pest inspection to AS 4349.3 checks for termites, borer and decay, and you should read the house's termite management notice, usually in the meter box.
Termites across Queensland
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) says termites are a problem for homeowners throughout Queensland, and particularly aggressive in North Queensland. Its advice to owners is to inspect the termite management system regularly and to have a licensed pest controller inspect and report on the property every year, or more often in high hazard areas.
A buyer has no record of the house's termite history except what the seller can show and what the inspection finds. That is why the timber pest part of a pre-purchase inspection matters.
Older timber houses
If the house is a raised timber house on stumps, the inspector needs to get under the house and check the stumps, bearers, joists and any timber touching the ground. Ask the agent to make sure the area under the house is clear and that any locked rooms or storage underneath can be opened.
Newer houses on slabs
A newer brick or brick-veneer house still needs checking. The QBCC says the Building Code of Australia requires certain parts of a new home to be treated against termites, and the builder must fix a durable termite management notice in a prominent place, usually the electrical meter box. The notice records:
- the method of termite protection used
- how often the installer or manufacturer recommends inspections, and what the inspector should check
Some systems need ongoing maintenance, such as yearly top-ups for chemical barriers. Read the notice before you buy and ask the seller for proof that the maintenance and annual inspections have been done. If the paperwork is missing, the pre-purchase timber pest inspection becomes your starting record.
What the inspection covers
A timber pest inspection follows AS 4349.3. It reports on termites, borer, wood decay, and the conditions that attract them, such as damp, poor ventilation and timber in contact with soil. It is visual and non-invasive, so it cannot see inside walls or under fixed floor coverings.
When to book under a Queensland contract
Under the REIQ contract, the building and pest condition only works if an inspection date is entered, and your notice is due by 5pm on that date. Book the inspection the day you sign, and leave time to read the report and speak to your solicitor before the deadline. There is no cooling-off period if you buy at auction, so inspect before auction day.
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Questions
Where do I find the termite management notice?
The QBCC says it is usually in the electrical meter box. It records the termite protection used and how often the system should be inspected.
Sources: QBCC, protect against termites; ABLIS, AS 4349.3-2010 timber pest inspections; Queensland Law Handbook, the REIQ contract for buying a home; Queensland Government, cooling-off period.
Last checked: 2026-10-30.