Termite Pre-Construction Treatment (Physical &/or Chemical Barriers)

Building a new home is exciting but, so many decisions to make and then there are all those building regulations and standards that have to be met. Dream homes that have not been protected from termites have become nightmares for their owners. Termites represent billions of dollars worth of damage each year.

Government and the building industry agree that the structural components of every new house must be protected and kept safe from attacks by termites.  This is reinforced by the requirement for Australian Standard AS3660.1 – 2000 Termite Management – New Building Work. This Standard is one of 3 current standards relating to termites and is referenced in the Building Code of Australia.

AS3660.1 sets out the requirements for the protection of all new homes from termites and now more questions but, we have the answers!!!

What protections are there for termites?
The Standard and Code provides for either a chemical or a physical protection for termites or a combination of both:

Chemical Barriers:
A termite (white ant) pre-construction treatment on new homes and extensions is undertaken in two stages, identified in the industry as Part 1 (A) and Part 2 (B) which entails;

Part 1

A chemical treatment is applied to the sub-floor of the home or concrete slab construction. In the case of footings, this is before the flooring is laid, and in respect to a concrete slab, after the sand pads have been formed but, prior to the polythene membrane (plastic sheeting) being laid.

Where appropriate, reticulation systems can also be considered.

Part 2

is the completion of the process whereby an external chemical treatment is applied to the perimeter of the premises, prior to the installation of concrete paving or patio’s etc.

Physical Barriers:
A non-invasive environmentally friendly termite (white ant) barrier system, which minimizes the use of chemicals.  There is still the need to do a Part 1 (A) and Part 2 (B) as per example:

Part 1

The installation of a polymer sheet (polythene plastic membrane) for footings or concrete slabs (such as HomeGuard, TERM-Seal, etc).

In the case of concrete slab construction, Termite Collars (frisbees) can also be used, which are secured to all electrical and plumbing penetrations (pipes) that come through the slab floor.

Part 2

is the completion of the process whereby an external chemical treatment is applied to the perimeter of the premises, prior to the installation of concrete paving or patio’s etc.

How safe are chemical termite treatments?
All chemicals we use are registered with the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) in Canberra.

The actual chemical we use in respect to termites is a pyrethroid insecticide. Pyrethroid is a synthetic version of Pyrethrums, natures own insecticide found in chrysanthemum flowers.  It has a very good toxicity profile for humans and animal, and is environmentally friendly posing no affect to the soil or vegetation.

However, like all chemicals, termite chemicals should only be handled and applied by trained technicians.