The Building Commission has issued a warning about the risk of termites to homes across Victoria, with more than 70 per cent of municipalities declared termite-prone areas.
The above average rainfall and associated flooding and increased humidity experienced over the past year have added to that risk, with termites favouring damp conditions. Where flooding has occurred or where water has been able to pond under a home, existing termite barriers may have been breached, so owners should have their installations checked by experts.
Termite damage is not covered by insurance, so regardless of weather conditions experienced it is important home owners actively consider what precautions they need to take against termites.
In Victoria, building regulations require all new homes, including extensions, built in areas designated by municipal councils as likely to be subject to termite infestation, to have some form of management against termite attack.
The commission notes that protection from termites in the long-term can be gained by the application of chemical or physical barriers (or both) to prevent termites from penetrating a home’s structure. An Australian Standard has also been written on termite management.
Both physical and chemical termite barriers are designed to prevent concealed access and to force termites into the open where their mud tunnels can be visible. Physical barriers range from small graded stone particles to fine termite-resistant, tough mesh and chemically impregnated composite products.
