Here at Conquer Termites, we use a variety of tools to help us inspect properties. We value our thermal cameras and with good reason – after all, anything that helps us detect termites has to be a good thing, and we’ve blogged more than once about how helpful it can be.

A few times recently, I have had homeowners suggest that we skip our trusty ‘tappers’ and simply move right on to the thermal camera portion of proceedings. And while we understand that in a world obsessed with technology, the thermal imaging camera might engender more trust {or simply look more impressive}, there is a reason we don’t start with them. In fact, in some inspections they aren’t needed at all!

A Termite Tapper is one of the most useful tools in a pest & termite inspection

The fact is, to an expert – our two most useful and (underrated by some) tools are our two most simple.  A good torch, and our ears. Using a termite tapper (sometimes referred to as a donger) may not look like much but is invaluable to a termite inspection.

I would have to say that I have found more termite infestations using a termite tapper than with anything else. Used in conjunction with a trained ear and a good torch (my wife says it’s nearly scary how seriously I take my torches), you would be amazed what we can find!

A termite tapper is used on all exposed timbers that are reachable within a structure.  These include window frames, door frames, skirting boards, and VJ wall timbers in “Queenslanders” and older homes. Timbers that have been eaten by termites will sound dull and hollow.

So while you are having your termite inspection carried out by one of our professional team, ask them more about the sounds that they expect which let them know that timber has been infested with termites.