The idea of installing a pre-construction termite barrier first emerged in Australia around 80 years ago. Before then, many homes were built using European methods—which proved no match for Australia’s native termite species. Homeowners soon discovered termites were clever enough to sneak in undetected, often causing serious damage before they were noticed.
How We Used to Build
To combat this, builders began constructing homes on piers, later adding ant caps to help detect termite activity. These metal caps made it easier to see where termites were entering through the subfloor. Once an entry point was found, pest controllers would dust it with arsenic, effectively stopping further incursions.
Modern Termite Barriers
Today, pre-construction termite barriers are mandatory for all new homes and extensions in Australia. While ant capping is still in use, companies like GreenZon, Termseal, Cordon, and Termimesh have developed modern solutions. These are integrated directly into building structures, including:
- Pipe penetrations
- Perimeter barriers around slabs
These systems are more effective and help prevent termites from accessing the home in the first place.
High-Risk Areas: Bathrooms and Pipe Penetrations
As a pest controller, I’ve found that bathroom walls are among the most common infestation sites. Just like us, termites need water to survive—making bathrooms a prime target. That’s why we pay close attention to pipe penetrations during construction.
Due to their tiny size, termites can exploit the shrinkage gap between concrete and pipes. For this reason, many Sydney councils now require pest prevention products specifically designed to seal these gaps.
Perimeter Weak Points
Another common entry point is the perimeter of the concrete slab. Termites can climb over the edge and into your home. If a physical barrier like Cordon isn’t installed, detecting the exact entry point can be nearly impossible—especially if vegetation is growing near the slab, which hides their tracks.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your home from termites starts during construction. If you're building or extending a property, make sure a certified pest controller is involved in the planning and installation of your termite management system.