Termites are one of the most costly risks to Australian homes, and the damage often goes unnoticed until it’s extensive. Yet many builders and homeowners only think about termite protection after the walls are up, when it’s harder, more expensive, and far less effective to treat. The smartest time to deal with termites is before a single slab is poured. That’s what pre-construction termite treatment is all about.
What Pre-Construction Termite Treatment Actually Involves
Pre-construction termite management may use physical systems, chemical systems or a suitable combination of both. The selected approach depends on the building design, site conditions and approved construction plans.
Building-integrated products such as Kordon, HomeGuard and Greenzone can protect areas such as slab perimeters, construction joints and service penetrations. Chemical soil treatments may create treated zones beneath or around parts of the building using registered termiticides such as Biflex Ultra Lo-Odour, Fipforce HP or Termidor.
Trelona ATBS is an advance termite baiting system rather than a pre-construction chemical soil treatment. It uses bait stations containing novaluron to control foraging termites and may form part of a broader termite management plan. However, it should not be presented as equivalent to a liquid soil treatment or building-integrated pre-construction system.
The termite management system must meet the applicable National Construction Code requirements. For new building work, AS 3660.1 provides recognised procedures for termite management systems.
Physical Barriers
Physical termite management systems help deter concealed termite entry at the locations they protect. However, they do not guarantee that termites cannot enter the building. Appropriately licensed or manufacturer-accredited installers should complete the installation where required and provide the relevant installation and compliance documentation.
Kordon and Home Guard Termite Barrier Systems
Kordon is a flexible laminate containing deltamethrin. Approved installers can fit different Kordon components beneath slabs, around service penetrations and at other specified locations in accordance with the product’s installation requirements.
HomeGuard is a range of bifenthrin-impregnated polymer products. HomeGuard DPC can also function as a damp-proof course when installed in accordance with the applicable building and manufacturer requirements.
Each product has approved uses and installation details. An appropriately qualified installer should recommend a system based on the building design, site conditions and approved termite management plan.
Trelona ATBS Termite Baiting System
Trelona ATBS is a termite baiting system used for termite monitoring and colony control. However, it is not designed for use in construction applications and should not be listed as a pre-construction termite barrier product.
Why Timing Makes All the Difference
During construction, installers can access locations that become difficult or impossible to reach after the building is completed. Once the slab and surrounding surfaces are in place, post-construction work may require trenching, drilling or other disruptive methods. However, correctly designed post-construction termite management can still provide effective protection.
The Cost of Waiting
Undetected termites can damage structural timber and other cellulose-based building materials. Extensive activity may lead to substantial repair costs, particularly when termites reach load-bearing components.
The cost of pre-construction termite management depends on the building design, treatment area, site conditions and products selected. Planning the system during construction can reduce the need for more disruptive work after completion.
Pre-construction treatment isn’t an added expense on top of your build. It’s a way of avoiding a much larger one down the track.
Getting It Right From the Start
Incorrect installation can leave gaps, compromise the termite management plan and affect product warranty eligibility. Appropriately licensed or manufacturer-accredited professionals should install each component where required and provide the relevant documentation.
Protect Your Build Before It’s Too Late
Plan termite management before construction begins so the system can be coordinated with the slab, penetrations, joints and perimeter. Contact us today to discuss a pre-construction termite management system for your Newcastle or Hunter Region project.
