thisplace.com.au - Termites

Organchlorines are banned for use as a chemical termite barrier. Everyone will now have to make a new choice about protection of buildings from termite attack.

Source: BSA Fact Sheet Edition 2 9/99

Termite Checklist

Is the building in an area where there is a risk of termite attack?
In Queensland virtually every area is susceptible to termite attack, so the answer inevitably is 'Yes', and you will need to go to the next question.

Will there be any structural members such as studs, rafters and beams susceptible to attack?
If the answer is 'no', then subject to any other Contractual requirements, there is no further obligation under BCA to provide Termite Protection, but remember the rest of the building will still be unprotected and at risk of destruction by termites which are quite happy to devour door and window frames, cabinets, trim timbers, and sheathing of electrical wiring. If you do have susceptible structural members then Termite Protection is Mandatory.

Does the Contract require termite protection, irrespective of the requirements of the BCA?
You can ask for a level of protection higher than that which BCA requires ! Talk to your builder or designer during the planning stage and ensure that your building contract provides for the higher level of protection. It will then be mandatory for your builder to provide that protection.

What Method of termite protection will I choose?
In the broadest terms, a number of options are now available at variable costs. They include:

Using a monolithic concrete slab as the barrier and another approved method to protect any penetrations such as waste pipes etc. (the slab edge may be exposed in this method).
Hand spraying of one of the two (currently) approved chemicals under slab and a perimeter treatment.
Reticulation of an approved chemical under the slab with perimeter treatment
Graded stone barrier under the slab and protection at the perimeter
Stainless steel mesh, either full or partial installation with perimeter protection
A combination of the above especially with composite construction.

Permanent notice on the Building, What is needed?

The BCA now requires a durable notice to be permanently fixed to the building in a prominent place. The notice must indicate:

The method/s of termite protection used on the building and
The date of the installation and
Where chemical barriers are used, it's life expectancy listed on the National Registration Authority label and
The installer's or manufacturer's recommendations for the scope and frequency of future inspections for termite activity.

Complaints about termite damage

In the case of complaints about termite damage to a building after June 1995, consideration will be given to issues such as the means of entry, the method of protection used, the maintenance carried out in the meantime and whether or not the owner was advised about maintenance needs.

Remember

The key to avoiding damage by subterranean termites is to:

Choose a method to suit your needs - do you want whole or partial protection?
Understand the method of protection for your individual building and ;
Inspect regularly and each 12 months (more often in high hazard areas) have a qualified operator inspect and re-treat if necessary.

Source: BSA Fact Sheet Edition 2 9/99

Termites - The latest Info

Recent evidence indicates an increase in termite infestations of new houses, putting into question the effectiveness of current termite treatment methods. Peter Osterhage, QMBA director for housing, suggests in the Aug/Sep issue of the Master Builders magazine, that there are a number of reasons for this. Also, Master Builders is developing a model for termite management to address the problem.

Previously effective chemicals, organochlorides, were banned in 1995 and new chemicals used now have a limited life span, mostly around the 10 year mark. Additionally, the National Registration Authority has approved labels for these chemicals to be mixed in concentrations further reducing effectiveness to as little as 2 to 5 years. In addition to this, new home owners invariably breach the termite barrier within days or weeks by simple things like laying turf, paving or building garden beds.

The Master Builders model for termite management is based on 5 broad principles:

Whole of House protection
Life-long termite protection
Protection suitable to Queensland climate and lifestyle
Ensuring that protection is the most effective, practical, safe and cost-efficient
Ensure that building is conducted within a termite policy framework and failures are covered by appropriate warranty.

It has been recognised that hand spraying of perimeters is flawed. The new model suggests more rigorous measures, including:

Trenching around the perimeter
Back filling with suitable material like loam or river sand
Use of reticulation systems
Installation of protective capping over treated areas.

Source: Master Builder magazine, August/September 2000.

Termites - Queenslanders

Working groups are making every effort to ensure Queenslanders receive quality and effective termite protection. It is expected that a draft amendment to the Building Codes of Australia will be enforced in 2001 to tackle the termite issue.

Many industry authorities advocate the 'Whole of House' protection package for termite management. This involves the installation of under slab barriers, reticulation systems and perimeter spraying with organophosphate insecticides. These methods are designed to prevent insect attacks on all sources of cellulose within the building, including carpet underlay, paper backing, joinery, mouldings, cupboards and structural timber.

A further possible solution may be the combination of the 'Whole of House' principles with the treatment of softwood timber house frames and roof trusses with Protim Light Organic Solvent Preservative (LOSP). This treatment protects all softwood and provides extra benefit by creating a surface, which termites are reluctant to travel along.

For more information on LOSP contact your local timber, truss and frame manufacturer or contact Auswood on (07) 3803 6262.

Source: Master Builder magazine, August/September 2000.

Useful Books

Two books you might find handy to keep in the home, regarding pests, are:

A Homeowner's Guide to Detection and Control of Common Household Pests
A Homeowner's Guide to Detection and Control of Termites and Borers

Both books are written by Phillip Hadlington and Christine Marsden and published by the University of New South Wales.