Termites are a serious threat to homes in Perth and across Western Australia. These voracious subterranean pests cause more property damage than floods, fires or storms, and they can eat through timber out of sight. In WA, species like Coptotermes and Nasutitermes are common – and hard to spot before it’s too late. Because termite damage is typically not covered by home insurance, the best defense is prevention: regular inspections and effective barriers around your house.
Even a newly built home isn’t termite-proof. The Australian Standard AS 3660 recommends a termite inspection at least once a year. A licensed technician will inspect all accessible wood areas – subfloor, roof cavity, verandah posts, fencing, landscaping timber, even nearby trees – searching for live termites, mud tubes or damage. They’ll also check the durable notice in your meter box, which documents any installed termite barriers and past inspection dates. It’s wise for buyers and sellers to include a “White Ant Certificate” clause in real estate contracts, ensuring a recent professional report confirms no active infestation or damagewa.gov.au.
Simple home maintenance also lowers termite risk. For example:
Fix leaks and moisture: Termites thrive on damp timber. Address plumbing or roof leaks and keep gutters clear.
Keep earth off walls: Ensure soil, mulch or garden beds aren’t piled against exterior walls or blocking vents.
Remove timber debris: Store firewood, lumber and stumps well away from your home (and raised off the ground).
Maintain airflow: Keep subfloor vents open and unobstructed so any termite tubes are easily seen.
By law, new homes and major renovations in WA must include a termite protection system. When you apply for a building permit, you must specify the type of termite barrier being installed. A permanent notice – usually in the meter box – must then record the barrier method, installation date and recommended inspection schedule. These rules are part of the National Construction Code (NCC) to ensure “primary building elements” are protected from termites.
A common myth is that a 7-year builder’s warranty automatically covers termite problems in a new home. In reality, building codes only assume you keep inspecting and maintaining the barrier. As one termite experts note, codes are designed to “make termite attack routes visible” and explicitly call for annual inspections. Builder warranties often have loopholes – they typically require proof that you had yearly inspections. If you skip the annual check-up, any warranty on termite protection may be void. In short, even a three-year-old house needs a current termite inspection and intact barriers to be truly protected.
Instead of relying on bait stations alone, Perth homes should have a solid physical or chemical barrier in place. Under AS 3660 (the termite management standard), there are two main types of “deemed-to-satisfy” barriers: physical and Soil Treatment Substnace
Physical barriers often consist of stainless-steel mesh or strips fixed under slab edges, around piers, or at accessible entry points. Termites cannot chew through these metal or plastic shields, so any tunnel they build becomes visible to an inspector.
Soil Treatment Substance involve applying a termiticide (a pesticide) to the soil around and under the building slab. Modern termiticides (like Termidor or Premise) are non-repellent to termites, meaning insects pass through the treated zone unknowingly. A termite that enters treated soil carries the poison back to its nest, eventually killing the colony. In fact, a complete soil treatment can “eradicate the entire termite colony” over time.
Both barrier types form a continuous protective “wall” around your home. WA building inspectors often refer to the meter-box notice to verify which barrier system is installed and when it expires. Perth homeowners should ensure these barriers are maintained: for example, avoid excavating or filling against the foundation, and re-treat the soil as needed. As one pest expert puts it, maintaining chemical or mesh barriers (and doing annual inspections) is crucial to prevent hidden termite damage
Termite baiting systems (in-ground stations with toxin) can be a useful monitoring tool, but they shouldn’t replace a proper barrier. Bait stations must be found and fed on by termites to work, which can take time. In fact, baiting “may take several months to completely eliminate a termite colony” even under ideal conditions. It also requires ongoing maintenance – homeowners or technicians must check stations every few months and refresh bait to keep it attractive.
By contrast, a well-installed barrier protects the entire perimeter of the home immediately, baiting “relies heavily on the termites finding and consuming sufficient bait” and is only recommended in limited circumstances (such as when active colonies are already known on the property) . In other words, baiting is supplementary. For robust WA termite protection, experts recommend a barrier system (physical or chemical) plus regular inspections. This approach turns termite activity into visible evidence that can be dealt with quickly, rather than hoping termites stumble on bait.
Don’t wait for termites to show up in your kitchen skirting or roof beams. A comprehensive termite inspection and a certified barrier are the best defences in Perth. Licensed professionals like Nest Free can conduct AS 3660-compliant inspections, evaluate your existing barrier (and any needed soil treatments for termites), and install new barriers if required. Our team will walk you through the inspection report, explain any vulnerabilities, and give clear recommendations to safeguard your house.
Protect your investment before it’s too late. Contact Nest Free today for a professional termite inspection and barrier assessment. Our experts will help ensure your home meets all WA termite protection requirements – giving you peace of mind and keeping termite damage far from your door.
