Termite barrier for an existing house - are they worth it?
It is well known that termites will attack 1 in 3 unprotected homes in Brisbane. They say the repair bills for termite damage in Australia are over $5 billion annually!
There is no insurance for termites - that causes more damage in Australia than fire, floods, storms and hurricanes - combined!
Termite facts
- Every garden in Brisbane and the Gold Coast will have foraging termites. They believe on average, there are up to six termite colonies foraging around a house!
- A house gets attacked by termites mainly because there is no protection (Termite management system).
Installing a termite barrier to an existing house is vital.
Based on the above information, not taking the necessary precautions and not installing a termite barrier to your home is a risky decision. The potential damage caused by termites can be costly and extensive, especially now trying to get Tradies to do the repairs.
When does a termite treatment - barrier expire?
For many homeowners in South East Queensland, there is a lot of confusion about when their treatment was last done and how long it will last.
How do you known when your termite treatment expires?
When a chemical treatment is completed, the licensed operator should issue a Certificate of Installation. This states what chemical was used, the volume and a mud map of where it was applied around your home.
If you don’t have this information, you should be able to check inside the electrical meter box on the outside of your home to find the “Durable Treatment Label” that states when a treatment was done, what chemical was used and when it will expire.
How long do termite treatments (chemical barriers) last?
There are four major termite treatment chemical avaliable in Australia:
- Termidor - 8 years
- Premise - 5 years
- Altriset - 8 years
- Biflex - 10 years (repellent)
Termite treatment (barrier) - what is the best method in Australia?
The best method for termite treatment (barrier) in Australia will depend on various factors, such as the type of construction, location of the property, and the extent of the infestation. However, some of the most common and effective methods for termite treatment in Australia include:
- Chemical treatments (barriers) are Brisbane’s most common type of termite treatment.
The average cost for a chemical termite treatment: $3000 to $4000.
The price can vary depending on the length of the external perimeter (where the chemical needs to be applied) and the type of chemical.
Check our Recommended Chemicals page for more information.
- Baiting systems: Baiting systems are another option for protecting homes in Brisbane. The cost of baiting systems can range from $1500 to $3000, depending on the size of the property and the number of bait stations required. There is an additional ongoing cost to monitor the stations annually.
- Physical barriers: Physical barriers, such as infused plastic sheeting and metal barriers, can also prevent termites from entering a property. This kind of termite management system is usually installed at the time of construction. The cost of physical barriers can range from $1000 to $3000,
- Combined treatments: Some homeowners choose to use a combination of chemical treatments and baiting programmes for the best protection against termites.
How a termite treatment should be done
Why run the risk? Get your home treated.
How to choose a company to do your termite treatment
Homeowners should carefully consider their options and choose the best treatment for their property to protect it from the damage caused by termites.
But you really need to compare apples with apples when selecting a company for your termite treatment. Sadly, our industry greatly differs in quality, knowledge, approach, and honesty.
Consumer Warning
Fake companies - no QBCC license
Many pest control companies construct a website to make them look local but have their call centre in another city and don’t have the appropriate Queensland licenses.
All companies operating in Queensland need a QBCC license to do termite treatments. Otherwise, you are engaging a subcontractor. If they don’t have a QBCC license, they can’t get insurance and shouldn’t be advertising they do termite treatments.
Free check offers - not licensed.
Some companies offer a free “termite check” and quickly suggest a dodgy, overpriced wooden box baiting system as a treatment. These guys aren’t licensed or qualified. Often you need to sign a waiver to say you are accepting a ‘check’, not an inspection to the Australian Standards.
Questions you should ask before engaging a company to do a termite treatment
Checklist:
To help you, we would like to give you a checklist of questions you should ask when calling companies in Brisbane, Australia. You don’t need to ask them all - choose your best three:
- Do you have a Queensland Health Timber Pest license?
- Does your company have a QBCC (Queensland Building Construction Commission) license?
- Is your company insuranced, and how much does it cover?
- Can you supply a treatment proposal and do the work?
- Can you offer options - chemical or baiting programs
- Do you use generic brands or proven legitimate brands?
- Are they accredited through the chemical company to apply the product?
- Where is your office located?
- How long has the business been operating, and is it family-owned?
Call your local Brisbane experts - people you can trust
Call Conquer Termites, a trusted, local company that has been in business for 20 years. Our office is based on Wynnum Rd, Cannon Hill. We have 25 technicians that are fully licensed, trained and equipped. We know how to detect and treat termites for all types of homes in South East Queensland.
