When comparing chemical termiticides in Australia, there is no single product that suits every property. A termite management professional must consider the building design, soil conditions, drainage, access and intended application.
Fipforce HP, Termidor and Biflex Ultra Lo-Odour are registered termiticides used to establish chemical soil-treated zones. Fipforce HP and Termidor contain fipronil, while Biflex Ultra Lo-Odour contains bifenthrin. These active ingredients affect termite behaviour differently.
Repellent vs non-repellent: the core distinction
Termiticides can differ in whether termites detect and avoid the treated soil.
Non-repellent termiticides such as Fipforce HP and Termidor allow termites to move through a correctly treated zone without detecting the active ingredient. Exposed termites may then transfer some of the active ingredient to other termites through contact and social behaviour.
In contrast, Biflex contains bifenthrin, which kills and repels termites. A correctly established treated zone deters termites from crossing the protected area.
However, neither type compensates for gaps in application. Technicians must apply each product according to its registered label to establish a continuous chemical soil-treated zone where the termite management plan requires one.
Fipforce HP and Termidor: non-repellent soil termiticides
Fipforce HP and Termidor are non-repellent soil termiticides containing fipronil. Their registered uses include establishing treated zones around or beneath structures, subject to their respective product labels.
Because termites do not readily detect fipronil in correctly treated soil, they may pass through the zone and contact the active ingredient. They may also transfer it to other termites. This transfer can contribute to termite control, but the result depends on factors such as termite exposure, activity and the quality of the application.
The product label still requires technicians to establish a continuous treated zone. Therefore, non-repellency should not serve as a substitute for complete soil treatment. This requirement also applies when technicians drill and inject beneath concrete during post-construction work.
A licensed and appropriately qualified pest management technician may consider these products for:
- Pre-construction chemical soil treatments
- Post-construction treated zones around existing structures
- Treatment beneath concrete through drilling and injection
- Approved reticulation systems
- Other termite applications specifically included on the product label
Product selection should follow a termite inspection, site assessment and documented termite management plan.
Biflex: a repellent soil termiticide
Biflex Ultra Lo-Odour contains bifenthrin. According to Envu, the product kills and repels subterranean termites and carries labelled uses for both pre-construction and post-construction termite management.
Technicians use Biflex to establish a continuous chemical soil-treated zone around or beneath specified parts of a structure. Depending on the site, they may use trenching, soil treatment, rodding or other methods permitted by the product label.
Because termites can detect and avoid treated soil containing bifenthrin, continuity remains particularly important. Gaps may allow termites to move around the treated area and reach another part of the structure.
Unlike fipronil products, Biflex does not rely on a non-repellent transfer effect. Instead, it provides contact control and repellency within the treated area.
Why site conditions determine product selection
Soil type, moisture, drainage and construction methods can affect how a technician designs and installs a chemical soil-treated zone. Access also matters. For example, exposed soil may allow trenching, while concrete paths or slabs may require drilling and injection.
In addition, the technician must determine whether the work involves protecting a new structure, managing an existing building or addressing active termite activity. One product or treatment method may not suit every objective.
An appropriately licensed, qualified and experienced pest management technician should assess these factors on site. The technician must also follow the registered product label, relevant regulations and applicable termite management requirements.
This information does not provide instructions for do-it-yourself application. These products require professional assessment, handling and application.
Chemical treatments are one part of termite management
A chemical soil-treated zone may form a major component of a property’s termite management system. However, it does not eliminate the need for regular professional termite inspections.
Building changes, excavation, landscaping, plumbing work and soil movement can disturb or bridge a treated zone. Furthermore, every termiticide has a stated protection period and may eventually require reassessment or re-treatment.
Depending on the building design, a complete termite management system may also include building-integrated products such as Kordon or Greenzone Expansion Foam. However, every property does not automatically require the same combination of products.
Not sure which termiticide suits your property? Book a site assessment, and we’ll recommend a termite management system based on the building, soil conditions, access and identified termite risks.
