Chinatown’s mix of older shopfronts, apartment conversions and shared walls can hide timber pest activity in roof voids, subfloors and service penetrations—especially where moisture builds up from kitchens, bathrooms and tight laneways.
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We check moisture-prone locations such as bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, dishwashing areas and around pipe penetrations. Elevated moisture can attract termites and accelerate timber decay, so identifying the source helps you reduce risk before damage spreads.
We assess skirtings, architraves, door frames, cabinetry kickboards and other timber elements for swelling, blistering paint, hollowing and frass. These are common early indicators of termite or borer activity in apartments and mixed-use buildings.
Where access allows, we inspect roof timbers for termite workings, borer pinholes, and moisture-related deterioration around penetrations, boxed gutters and plant equipment. Roof areas can hide problems for years, particularly in older structures.
For properties with subfloor access, basement storage, or ground-level timber, we look for dampness, poor ventilation, and termite shelter tubes along walls and supports. Lower levels can be high-risk zones where termites first establish.
We check where timber meets masonry or concrete, including thresholds, balcony door frames, courtyard edges and expansion joints. In dense Chinatown streetscapes, shared walls and adjoining structures can provide concealed termite pathways between properties.
We look for evidence of subterranean termites, wood borers and fungal decay, and explain what the signs mean. Correctly identifying the cause matters because treatment and repair priorities differ depending on the pest and the extent of damage.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Yes. Termites don’t need a standalone house to cause damage. In Chinatown, termites can travel via concealed service penetrations, expansion joints, planter boxes, and shared-wall interfaces. Timber framing, door frames, cabinetry and roof timbers can all be affected. An inspection focuses on evidence of activity and the moisture conditions that make buildings more attractive to termites and decay.
We inspect for signs consistent with subterranean termite activity, wood borers and timber decay associated with excess moisture. That includes shelter tubes, mud packing, hollow-sounding timber, borer pinholes, frass (powder), staining and fungal breakdown. We also assess conditions that increase risk, such as persistent dampness, poor ventilation and timber-to-ground or timber-to-masonry contact points.
Many Chinatown properties have restricted roof access, sealed subfloors or boxed-in services. We inspect all accessible areas thoroughly and use non-invasive methods such as moisture testing and visual checks of indicators around skirtings, door frames, cabinetry, balconies and service penetrations. If we find strong risk factors or suspect activity, we’ll recommend the most appropriate next step, including targeted invasive inspection where possible.
It can. High humidity, grease-trap areas, frequent wash-downs, and plumbing in commercial tenancies can create persistent damp zones that attract termites and accelerate timber decay. Moisture can travel into walls and ceilings, especially where waterproofing is older or penetrations aren’t sealed well. Our inspection includes moisture checks and looks for timber deterioration around wet areas and services.
For most properties, an annual inspection is a sensible baseline in Australia due to the general termite risk. In Chinatown, inspections can be especially important where there are wet areas, planters, balconies, older building fabric, or shared walls that limit visibility. If you’re buying, renovating, or have had previous moisture issues, an inspection before works start helps avoid covering up an active problem.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the moisture zones, concealed cavities and shared-wall entry points common in Chinatown buildings—call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection.