Termite treatments and management systems

Australian Standards recommends every home should have a termite management system in place.  Termite management systems can be a physical barrier, chemical barrier or monitored bait system.  More information can be found on termite management systems on Queensland Building and Construction Commission site here

 If your home contains any structural timber – like a timber frame, timber trusses in the roof, timber flooring or a deck – termites could eat it away until it collapses.

A chemical is installed by a licensed technician around the perimeter of your house. This defence system uses a chemical known as a termiticide. This barrier is deadly to termites when they cross through it.  They will pick it up on their body and then carry it back to their nest, killing off the nest.

The termiticide that Dedant uses has the active ingredient Fipronil.  This is generally effecctive for 8 years, however an earlier reapplication may be recommended in some areas that have extreme termite pressure or a previous termite attack for full benefit. 

Whilst there is no need to top up chemicals before they expire, it is important to still have annual timber pest inspections to ensure that the barrier has not been breached.  For example, if a dog digs up the area that the chemical was installed or something is built that gives access to the property without going through the treatment.

When the barrier is installed as per manufacturer's instructions, there is limited opportunity for it to come into contact with animals or people.  It is highly toxic to termites and other insects, but considered safe for humans and pets when used as intended. 

In order to provide an accurate quote for your property, an experienced technician must attend the property to measure it for the treatment. The average cost of a full barrier treatment for residential houses in Brisbane is between $2000 and $4000.

• Older homes - If your home was not constructed with a physical barrier in the slab, it is essential to find another solutions. The chemical barrier is the best post construction solution for most properties.
• Current system no longer effective - whether you had a chemical treatment that has expired or your current physical barrier has failed, a chemical barrier is generally the best option.
• Commercial properties - termites do not discriminate between commercial and residential properties, these need to be protected as well.