Your Ultimate Homeowner’s Guide for New South Wales

When you buy a home in NSW, you typically inherit any existing termite protection measures that were set up by the previous owner or the builder. Regrettably, these measures can vary significantly in effectiveness, ranging from cutting-edge to outdated or possibly non-existent.
The unfortunate truth is that many homeowners lack knowledge about the current termite protection system in their property, its age, or if it requires renewal.

This comprehensive guide is designed to empower you with the knowledge necessary to evaluate the termite protection measures your home currently has in place, familiarise you with the pertinent regulations in NSW, and illuminate the warning signs that can help you prevent potentially expensive termite infestations in the future.

Recognise the Essential Importance of Termite Protection in NSW

Regions surrounding Sydney, particularly the Hills District, North Shore, Western Sydney, and coastal suburbs, are classified as high-risk termite zones.
This classification necessitates that the NSW Building Code mandates all new homes to incorporate a Termite Risk Management (TRM) system during their construction phase.

Nonetheless, once you assume the role of homeowner, there is no straightforward guide available that informs you about the specific termite protection system that has been installed to safeguard your property.

Let us explore the details of termite protection systems more thoroughly.

How to Uncover the Termite Protection System Present in Your Home

The following are the six most effective methods to determine the termite protection system embedded in your property.

1. Locate the Required Termite Certificate (Mandatory under NSW Law)

As per the NSW Building Code and AS 3660.1, builders are required to provide the following documentation:

• A certificate that details the installed termite management system
• A durable notice placed within the home
• The installation date
• The contact details of the installer
• The recommended maintenance schedule

Where to find this certificate:

• Inside the electrical meter box
• Under the kitchen sink cupboard
• Within the laundry cupboard
• On the garage wall near the switchboard

This label may indicate the presence of:

• Physical barriers (Kordon, HomeGuard, TermSeal)
• Concrete slab edge exposure
• Granite/stone barriers
• Chemical soil treatments
• Termite reticulation systems (Termidor, TermX, Altis, Termguard)

If the sticker is missing, it does not necessarily mean that no system is in place; it could simply indicate that it was never documented or has fallen off over time.

2. Identify the Points for Refilling Your Reticulation System Around Your Property

A reticulation system employs underground pipes to efficiently distribute termiticide around your property.

Signs that you might have a reticulation system include:

• White, black, or green plastic caps situated along the perimeter of the home
• Access points located near garden edges, driveways, or patios
• A labelled refill port that is slightly elevated above ground level

If you observe these features, you likely have:

• Termidor® reticulation
• FipForce® system
• TermX
• Altis
• Termguard

It is important to remember that termite reticulation systems necessitate refilling every three years (for premium termiticides) or every one to two years (for more cost-effective chemicals).

3. Examine Your Pre-Purchase Pest & Building Report for Details on Termite Protection

If you purchased your home in recent years:

• The inspector should have documented specifics regarding the termite protection system.
• Many reports may include photographs of barriers, slab edges, or reticulation lines.

However, pre-purchase reports can occasionally lack comprehensive information, so it is wise to validate findings with a licensed termite expert.

4. Check Slab Edges for Visibility and Accessibility

Homes constructed on concrete slabs should exhibit visible slab edges unless an alternative approved system has been employed.

What to look for includes:

• A visible concrete edge between the ground and the brickwork
• No soil or garden obstructing the weepholes
• No decking installed flush against the wall

If slab edges are clearly exposed, this may serve as the termite protection — however, they must remain unobstructed to function correctly.

5. Investigate the Existence of Physical Barriers Typically Found in Newer Homes

During the construction process, builders may install various physical termite barriers such as:

• Kordon (orange/yellow sheet material)
• HomeGuard (blue plastic sheeting)
• TermSeal
• Stainless steel mesh
• Graded stone layers

Indicators suggesting the presence of a physical barrier include:

• A label within the meter box indicating the brand
• A visible sheet layer surrounding pipe penetrations in the slab
• Notes in the building documentation provided by the builder

These systems typically protect the structure for the life of the building — however, regular termite inspections remain crucial to ensure ongoing effectiveness.

6. Seek Guidance from a Termite Specialist for a Thorough Compliance Check

<pIf you cannot find:

• A label
• A certificate
• A refill point
• Any documentation

…your home may lack active termite protection.

A qualified termite technician can:

• Identify any physical barriers present
• Detect any outdated chemical treatments that may still have efficacy
• Scan for reticulation systems
• Inspect for exposure at slab edges
• Provide a thorough assessment of your termite risk

They can also advise if your home requires:

• A new chemical barrier
• A refill for the reticulation system
• A baiting system
• A pre-sale termite certificate

Understand the Legal Obligations for Termite Protection in NSW

1. Builders Must Implement a Termite Risk Management System in All Newly Constructed Homes

(In compliance with the NCC & AS 3660.1)

2. A Durable Notice Must Be Installed (label located in the meter box or cupboard)

3. Homeowners Are Responsible for Maintaining the System

Even with a barrier in place, annual termite inspections are essential under Australian Standards (AS 3660.2). Comprehensive information is available regarding:
Termite Risk Management Systems for Homes in NSW

What Should You Do If You Cannot Identify Your Termite Protection System?

If you lack documentation or visible systems, it is prudent to assume:

You may not be protected.

Termite hotspots in Sydney include:

• The Hills District
• North Shore
• Northern Beaches
• Hawkesbury

A straightforward termite inspection can assess your risk level in under an hour.

When Should You Think About Installing a New Termite Barrier?

Consider installing or updating termite protection if:

• Your reticulation system has not been serviced in over three years
• No certificate is available
• You cannot locate any records
• You are preparing to sell or renovate
• You have observed mud tunnels, timber damage, or the presence of flying termites

A premium chemical barrier using Termidor® or FipForce® can protect your home for up to eight years, making it one of the most effective solutions available.

Your Essential Reminder: Verify Your Termite Protection Today

Many homeowners are often taken aback by how little they actually know regarding their termite protection system.
Fortunately, the process of uncovering this information is quite straightforward once you know where to look.

Begin your search by thoroughly checking:

• Your meter box
• Under the kitchen sink
• Builder documentation
• Slab edges
• Reticulation caps

If you still remain uncertain, schedule a termite inspection; this is a minor investment compared to the potential costs that could arise from termite damage.

If you need assistance in identifying your termite system,
So Pest Off can conduct a thorough inspection, provide a detailed diagnosis, and devise a comprehensive termite protection plan to ensure your home remains secure.

Commonly Asked Questions About Termite Protection Systems

How can I verify if my home has a termite protection system installed?

Most homes in NSW should display a termite protection label found inside the electrical meter box, kitchen sink cupboard, or garage. This label generally specifies the installed system, the installer’s details, and the maintenance dates. If no label is present, search for reticulation refill points around the home, exposed slab edges, or physical barrier materials. A termite inspection can confirm the system if documentation is unavailable.

What documents should accompany my home if a termite system was installed?

You should have a termite management certificate, a durable notice (typically located inside the meter box), and documentation from the builder or pest control company. These documents will outline the type of system installed, the installation date, and the maintenance schedule.

Is it possible to determine what system I have without paperwork?

Yes. A qualified technician can identify physical barriers, chemical barriers, or reticulation systems during an inspection. They can also assess whether old chemical treatments are still effective and if the property requires new protection.

Where are termite reticulation refill points generally located?

They are often found along garden edges, near paved areas, alongside driveways, or around the external perimeter walls. Refill caps can be identified as white, black, or green plastic ports that are slightly elevated above ground level.

Does NSW law require termite protection for all homes?

Indeed. The NSW Building Code mandates that all new homes have a Termite Risk Management (TRM) system installed during construction. This system must comply with AS 3660.1 and include a durable notice that outlines the type of protection and the necessary maintenance.

What if the previous owner did not maintain the termite protection system?

If maintenance has not been performed, the system may no longer function effectively. A termite specialist will evaluate the condition of the system and may recommend a refill, installation of a new chemical barrier, or additional monitoring based on the level of risk involved.

How frequently should termite systems be inspected in NSW?

According to Australian Standards (AS 3660.2), annual termite inspections are required, irrespective of the system installed. Homes located in high-risk areas, such as the Hills District or Western Sydney, may benefit from inspections every six to twelve months.

What should I do if I cannot identify any termite system at all?

If you cannot find any barriers, documentation, or refill points, it is safest to assume that you have no active protection. A termite inspection will confirm your risk and assist in selecting the most suitable option, such as a chemical barrier, baiting system, or reticulation installation.