01/09/2026
Your pest report says “moderate to high risk”… should you panic?
Something I was reminded of this week is just how important it is to understand the wording in a Building & Pest report.
Here in Mackay, our warm, humid conditions can create an environment where termite activity is a genuine consideration.
So if your pest report comes back saying the property has a “moderate to high risk of termite attack”, your first reaction might be:
😳 Does that mean the house has termites?
Not necessarily.
There is an important difference between a property being assessed as having a risk of future termite attack and an inspector actually finding active termites, evidence of previous activity or termite damage.
The risk rating can take into account things like moisture, construction, landscaping, termite protection and other conditions around the property.
💡 Jax's Takeaway: Don't read one scary-sounding sentence in a report and immediately assume the worst.
Read the whole report. Understand what was actually found, what is simply identified as a risk, and ask the inspector questions if you're unsure.
Sometimes understanding the wording can completely change how you feel about the report.
Have a property question? Ask Jax.
General information only. Every property and inspection report is different. Always obtain advice from the appropriate qualified professional.