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Thermal Imaging Termite Inspections – According to AEPMA Code of Practice
At A1 Pest Control, we follow the AEPMA Code of Practice for Prior to Purchase Specialist Timber Pest Inspections. Thermal imaging is one of several tools that can assist in detecting termite activity or conditions conducive to timber pests in a non-invasive way. While not a mandatory part of a standard inspection, it is an optional technique that may be recommended under certain conditions.
What Is Thermal Imaging?
Thermal imaging involves the use of an infrared camera to detect variations in surface temperatures across building materials. These temperature differences may indicate termite activity, water ingress, or structural anomalies. However, it’s important to note that thermal imaging does not directly detect termites.
When Is Thermal Imaging Used?
According to the Code of Practice, thermal imaging may be used when:
- Elevated moisture levels are detected using a moisture meter
- The inspector identifies suspicious areas during a visual inspection
- Access to subfloor or roof voids is restricted
- Additional non-invasive diagnostics are requested by the client
This tool is typically applied during a specialist timber pest inspection and must be arranged in advance.
Limitations of Thermal Imaging
- 📌 Thermal cameras show temperature variance—not pests
- 📌 They must be interpreted by experienced operators
- 📌 External heat sources (e.g., sunlight, appliances) may cause false positives
- 📌 Not effective without the right environmental conditions
For this reason, thermal imaging is never used in isolation—it is always supported by other tools such as moisture meters, movement detectors, and where necessary, sounding and probing.
What the AEPMA Code of Practice Recommends
The Code outlines that:
- Thermal imaging must be carried out by appropriately trained personnel
- It must be used in conjunction with other inspection methods
- It forms part of a specialist inspection, not the standard AS4349.3 pre-purchase pest inspection
This ensures that inspection results are reliable, and that clients are not misled by misinterpreted thermal data.
Service Areas
We offer specialist timber pest inspections and thermal imaging (where required) in the following areas:
Want to Know More?
To learn more about the proper use of thermal imaging and other tools in specialist timber pest inspections, see:
AEPMA Code of Practice – Timber Pest Inspections
Or contact our team to arrange a compliant, professional inspection in your area.
