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.
