New homes need to have all potential “concealed” termite entry points protected. Concealed termite entry points are those which cannot be seen, even during a professional termite inspection (for example, through a crack or hole in the concrete slab).

A range of physical termite protection products can be used, integrated with the physical construction elements of the building to create a physical termite barrier. For example, plastic collars impregnated with insecticide can fit around pipework before the concrete slab foundations are poured, embedding the collar in the slab, thus eliminating any potential gaps around the pipework through which a termite could enter.

 

 

Although chemical treatments used to be a common method for treating soils before building a house, the regulations have changed. It is important to ensure that any termite protection measure for new buildings are designed to last the lifetime of the building. So if chemical treatments are to be used, there also needs to be a method to re-treat the soil into the future. In such cases, where a chemical treatment is desired underneath a concrete slab or pathway, a reticulation system (a network of pipes containing holes), also needs to be installed. This allows the soil to be re-treated when required.

 

The regulations that govern termite protection for new buildings, also apply to extensions.

With extensions the area where the extension joins the existing building is a particular area of weakness and is a common termite entry point.

It is critical that the method of protecting this construction join is considered at the planning stage.

Renovations start to get into a bit of a grey area. Most renovations that occur within the outline of the existing building and don’t change the structural elements, do not require certification.

However, any work over $3000 carried by a qualified tradesman is required to have QBCC Home Warranty Insurance which protects you from poor workmanship or failure to follow regulations.

The three key areas of renovations that cause most of the termite issues are the kitchen, laundry and bathroom. It is critical to protect wet areas, not only from a waterproofing point of view, but needing to eliminate any gaps around pipework that enters through the concrete slab.

Especially for the DIY renovator they need to consult a termite professional before commencing work.

 

You many not think about termites when gardening or landscaping, but activities in these areas, especially along the perimeter walls of the house are the cause of many termite attacks.

Garden beds along perimeter walls are often built over termite protection measures, as are paths and driveways, and decks are often built without appropriate termite protection often relying on “termite resistant timbers), forgetting that the deck can create an unseen pathway into the main part of the house.

Although any such gardening and landscaping activities are governed by building regulations, DIY homeowners and indeed most gardening or landscaping companies are unaware of the risks and regulations. If in doubt, always consult a termite professional.

Pest Doctors use a range of products to design a complete and integrated termite protection system for your new home, extension or renovation.

Every construction is different so it’s important to us the right combination of products for your particular situation.

The types or products we use:

• Plastic sheeting materials to protect perimeter walls
• Plastic collars to protect pipework entering through concrete slabs
• Foams impregnated with insecticide to protect joins in concrete slabs
• Specialised polymer paints impregnated with insecticide to protect awkward joins

Pest Doctors only use the leading brands and are fully accredited to complete installations. Our pre-construction termite management systems come with a warranty of up to 50 years.