A Comprehensive Homeowner’s Guide for New South Wales

When you purchase a home in NSW, you essentially inherit whatever termite protection the previous owner or builder put in place, whether it is effective, outdated, or nonexistent.
The challenge is that most homeowners are unaware of the current system safeguarding their property, its age, or if it requires renewal.

This guide outlines how to determine the termite protection your home possesses, what regulations exist in NSW, and the signs to watch for to prevent costly termite infestations down the line.

The Importance of Termite Protection in NSW

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

However, once you become a homeowner, there is no straightforward guide provided to inform you of the specific system installed.

Let’s dive deeper into the details.

Discovering the Termite Protection System in Your Home

Below are the six most effective methods to identify the termite protection system present in your property.

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

According to the NSW Building Code and AS 3660.1, builders are obliged to provide:

• A certificate detailing the installed termite management system
• A durable notice positioned within the home
• The installation date
• The installer’s contact information
• The suggested maintenance schedule

Where to find it:

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

This label may indicate:

• 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 absent, it does not necessarily mean that there is no system in place; it could simply be that it was not recorded or has fallen off.

2. Identify Reticulation System Refill Points

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

Indicators that you have one:

• White, black, or green plastic caps positioned along the home's perimeter
• Access points located near garden edges, driveways, or patios
• A labelled refill port that protrudes slightly above the ground

Should you observe these features, you likely have:

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

Notably, termite reticulation systems necessitate refilling every three years (for premium termiticides) or every one to two years (for budget-friendly chemicals).

3. Review Your Pre-Purchase Pest & Building Report

If you purchased the home within the last few years:

• The inspector should have documented the details of the termite protection system.
• Many reports incorporate photographs of barriers, slab edges, or reticulation lines.

However, pre-purchase reports can often lack specificity, so it is advisable to confirm with a licensed termite specialist.

4. Inspect the Slab Edges for Visibility

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

What to examine:

• 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 — but they must remain unobstructed to function effectively.

5. Investigate Physical Barriers, Commonly Found in Newer Homes

During the construction phase, 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

Clues indicating the presence of a physical barrier include:

• A label within the meter box identifying 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, they still require regular termite inspections to ensure ongoing effectiveness.

6. Consult a Termite Specialist for a Compliance Check

If you cannot find:

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

…your home may lack active termite protection.

A licensed termite technician can:

• Identify any physical barriers present
• Detect any old chemical treatments that may still be effective
• Scan for reticulation systems
• Inspect for exposure at slab edges
• Provide a comprehensive assessment of your termite risk

They can also advise if your home requires:

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

Understanding NSW Legal Requirements for Termite Protection

1. Builders Must Install a Termite Risk Management System in All New Homes

(In accordance with the NCC & AS 3660.1)

2. A Durable Notice is Required to be Installed (label in the meter box or cupboard)

3. Homeowners are Responsible for Maintaining the System

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

What Steps to Take 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 establish your risk level in under an hour.

When is the Right Time to Install 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 noticed mud tunnels, timber damage, or the presence of flying termites

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

Essential Reminder: Confirm Your Termite Protection Today

Many homeowners are astonished by how little they know regarding their termite protection system.
Fortunately, the process of discovering this information is straightforward when you know where to look.

Begin your search by checking:

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

If you are still unsure, schedule a termite inspection; it is a minor expense compared to the potential costs of termite damage.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Termite Protection

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

Most homes in NSW should have a termite protection label located inside the electrical meter box, kitchen sink cupboard, or garage. This label specifies the installed system, the installer’s information, 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 verify the system if documentation is unavailable.

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

You should possess a termite management certificate, a durable notice (typically found 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 typically situated?

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 the ground.

Does NSW law mandate termite protection for all homes?

Yes. The NSW Building Code requires 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 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 often should termite systems be examined 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.