Protect against termites | Queensland Building and Construction Commission
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Make sure you talk with your builder about how to manage termites:

  • when building your home
  • when maintaining your home.

At a minimum, the Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires you treat a few key areas of your home against termite infestation:

  • roof and floor framing (structural elements)
  • door jambs
  • window frames and reveals
  • architraves and skirting.

If you want a higher level of termite management make sure you include this in your contract.

Choose a termite management system

You can choose from a range of systems to manage termites. You should look at:

  • how much it costs
  • how durable it is
  • how much you need to maintain it.

Your builder may ask you to sign a form confirming you have discussed which termite management system you have chosen.

Our booklet details different types of termite management systems and how to maintain them:

This involves installing a slab as part of the management system and use another approved method to protect anything that penetrates from the slab, e.g. waste pipes. The slab edge may be exposed in this method.

You may choose to use approved chemicals under the slab and around the outside of the building when it is finished. This method also requires you to install:

  • a 300mm-wide concrete protection strip
  • a reticulation system to top up the chemical.

Graded stone can be placed under the foundation slab and around the perimeter.

Full or partial mesh can be placed under the slab and around the perimeter.

Termite resistant materials

You can choose to build using:

  • treated timber
  • masonry
  • steel
  • concrete
  • fibre-reinforced cement.

Termite resistant timber

You can use one or a combination of:

  • treated timber
  • naturally resistant timber.

This is especially useful if your home has different types of construction or is split-level.

Display a termite management notice

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires you to install a durable termite management notice in a prominent location on your property, usually your electrical meter box.
The notice must state:

  • the method/s of termite protection used on the building
  • the installation date
  • where chemicals are used, the life expectancy listed on the Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) label
  • the installer's or manufacturer's recommendations for how often you should have termite inspections, and what the inspector should check.
You can usually find a termite management notice in your electrical meter box.

 

Maintain your termite system

Inspect the termite management system regularly yourself and hire a licensed pest controller to inspect and report on your property every year, or more often in high hazard areas.

You also need to meet your system's maintenance requirement, e.g. yearly top-ups for chemical barriers, as stated on the termite management notice.

Check your home for termite activity every year, or more often if you live in an area where termites are more active.

 

Consider termite danger when renovating

If you are planning to renovate consider the impact of the work on your termite management system.

Building footpaths, garden beds, patios, pergolas or landscaping and laying turf may cause your termite system to be less effective and allow termites to attack your home.


Last reviewed: 10 Mar 2024 Last published: 10 Mar 2024
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