Termites in the fence line, not the house
Why a pest inspection on a slab home spends so much time in the garden.
In short: On established properties in Melbourne's west, the termites we find are usually in the fences and garden timbers, close to a house that looks untouched.
Where we found them
On a March 2026 inspection in Braybrook, termite workings and damage ran along a timber boundary fence, with fungal decay in the posts at ground level.
Why it matters for the house
A colony feeding in the fence is foraging nearby. From there it only needs a hidden path, such as paving over the slab edge or a buried weep hole, to reach the frame.
Conducive conditions
Damp ground from downpipes discharging at the wall, tree stumps left in the garden and timber sleepers in soil all make the property more attractive.
What the report does
It records activity, damage and the conditions that raise the risk, under AS 4349.3. It does not treat.
Next steps
If activity is found, a licensed pest manager advises on treatment, and the building items that invite termites can be fixed by the owner.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Manor Lakes. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
