Termites, which are often called “silent destroyers”, are pests that can infest your home and cause devastating damage. If these house pests are feasting on your property, don’t expect them to leave voluntarily. Instead, get a termite treatment right away so you can prevent your property from further damage and save you money from more expensive repairs.
There are several ways to treat termite infestations, but the two most popular termite treatment systems are the Chemical Termite Barriers and In-Ground Baiting Systems. How do you know which one to use? In this article we outline these two treatment systems, how they work and when they are applied, as well as explain some of the older termite treatment methods that are no longer considered to be effective.
For specific advice on the best termite treatment for your home or investment property, its best to arrange a termite inspection with a licenced inspector in your location. Contact the Inspect My Home office on 1300 337 447 or book an inspection online. Your inspector will be able to advise on which treatment option will work best for you.
Also read: Termite Prevention checklist: Reduce the risk of timber pests
Key takeaways
- Termite treatments are designed to eliminate active infestations and prevent future attacks by creating chemical, physical, or baiting barriers around your home.
- The two most common systems in Australia are chemical barriers and in-ground baiting systems, each suited to different soil types, block slopes, and construction designs.
- Fumigation effectively eradicates drywood termites but does not offer long-term protection; it’s best used alongside other preventive methods.
- Physical barriers are installed during construction to block termite entry and provide an eco-friendly, long-lasting prevention solution.
- Regular termite inspections by licensed professionals are essential for early detection, effective treatment, and long-term protection of your property.
What is termite treatment and how does it work?
Termite treatment refers to the process of eliminating and preventing termite infestations using specialised products and systems designed to target these pests at their source. It works by either creating a chemical or physical barrier around and beneath the property or by using baiting systems that eliminate entire colonies.
The treatment’s main goal is to break the termites’ foraging cycle and stop them from accessing the timber within your home. Depending on the type of treatment, termites are either directly killed or infected with substances that spread throughout the colony, ensuring long-term protection and prevention of future infestations.
What are the various termite treatment types?
Chemical Termite Barriers
A chemical treatment is a termite control measure that establishes a continuous treatment zone within and around your house. It acts as a barrier to prevent termites from digging through the soil, entering your property and ultimately infesting the structure.
1. Trench and Treat
Creating a trench-line excavation around the perimeter of the house, then treating the trench with a non-repellent termiticide, refilling the excavated hole with soil, and treating the back-fill again. This chemical barrier system can provide and effective means of termite control on your structure for up to eight years and can be replenished.
2. Drill and Inject
This procedure involves drilling tiny unnoticeable holes through the slabs, external paths like driveways, expansion joints, and around the perimeter of the property. A non-repellent termiticide is then injected underneath every hole using a soil rod as a treatment. Holes are sealed back after the treatment injection is completed.
The non-repellent termiticide solution does not kill the treatment-exposed termite instantly but allows it to survive and return to the nest, infect all the termites, and eliminate the entire colony.
In-ground Baiting Systems
In-ground baiting systems are also very effective in controlling a major termite infestation. The baiting system is set up by installing 24 small plastic bait stations strategically located around the perimeter of the property. These small bait stations have cellulose inserts like wood, paper, or cardboard which will serve as termite food.
A chitin synthesis inhibitor is applied when the termites discover the food sources. This chemical slows the growth of the termite, prevents exoskeleton (external covering for support and protection) moulting, and causes them to die as they are unable to grow and form a new exoskeleton. Once a carrier termite spreads the insect growth regulator into the nest, the entire colony will be eliminated very shortly.
We recommend to have a one-year program with a regular servicing interval of four to eight weeks for the best termite control and elimination outcome. We carry out an annual bait system service thereafter.
Termite Fumigation
Termite fumigation, also known as termite tenting, is a pest control method used primarily for treating drywood termites that live within wooden structures rather than underground. This process involves sealing the entire building under a tent and releasing a fumigant gas that penetrates all cracks and timber elements. The gas kills termites at every stage of their life cycle—eggs, larvae, and adults—without leaving residue.
Although fumigation is very effective in eradicating existing infestations, it does not provide ongoing protection against future termite attacks. For this reason, it is often combined with other preventive measures such as soil treatments or in-ground baiting systems.
Physical Termite Barrier
A physical termite barrier is a non-chemical prevention system designed to block termite entry points into a structure. These barriers are typically installed during the construction phase and are made from durable materials such as stainless steel mesh, graded stone, or plastic sheeting.
The purpose is to form an impenetrable layer around foundations and under slab edges, forcing termites to expose themselves where they can be detected and treated. While physical barriers do not kill termites, they are a long-term, eco-friendly solution when combined with regular termite inspections and monitoring systems.
Which is the Most Effective Termite Treatment?
The most effective termite treatment for your property depends on several factors;
- how the property is constructed,
- the soil type,
- slope of the block, and
- whether any construction flaws exist.
Knowing these factors along with the professional help of termite controllers will dictate the best and most effective termite control system for your property.
Also read: Important Information About Timber Pests
Construction type
The most suitable termite treatment for homes depends on how it is built. We recommend a chemical barrier for slab homes. In the case of split level homes, baiting will provide the best outcome. When the structure has construction flaws, neither of the two termite control systems will stand alone to control your termite issues. A combination of both chemical barriers and the baiting system will work best instead.
Construction Flaws
Many properties have construction flaws in them, leaving some areas of the structure unprotected and penetrable by termites. With these construction flaws, termites can find holes even with a complete treatment placed around your home. The best way to deal with this problem is by applying the combination of a baiting system and soil treatment. If your property has concrete and pavers around it, make sure to cut and lift them so you can treat the soil underneath.
Soil type
The soil type will also dictate whether a chemical barrier or an in-ground bait system should be implemented. If the soil is rock-barren and ideally sandy loam type, a chemical barrier system is better to use because the liquid soil termiticide will be easily and evenly distributed.
Slope of block
Another factor that can affect your treatment choice is the slope of the block. Blocks that are sloping steeply are difficult to treat with liquid soil termiticide. The risk of washing away the treatment when rain occurs is highly probable thus making the chemical treatment ineffective. If you have a steep slope on your block, opt to implement the termite baiting system instead.
Older, Cheaper Treatments
In the old days, pest busters used “repellents” as a cheap option to control termites. Repellents are pesticides that only deter termites rather than destroy their colonies and ultimately eliminate them. In other words, they aren’t considered an effective treatment system. Termites will avoid the specific areas that are treated, which will only trap them inside your property.
Another cheap remedy is to install a physical barrier made up of plastic or steel before the brickwork. This procedure is believed to prevent termite penetration by sealing any gap or opening towards the foundation. But in reality, these physical barriers are not effective in the sense that when foundations wear out over time, cracks can give way to termite access.
Regular Termite Inspection
Termite problems in Australia are widespread. If left undetected, a termite infestation can cause damages amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. You can help prevent this by having a regular termite inspection where expert pest and building inspectors can discover early signs of termites and advise on the most effective way to fight it.
Concerned about a termite infestation at your property? Reduce the risk and the extent of damage they cause by booking a termite detection and treatment service by Inspect My Home today. Our team of licensed timber pest inspectors combined with the latest state-of-the-art thermal imaging technology can provide you a broad and comprehensive termite assessment and regular pest inspection of your property.
Get in contact with our termite managers and arrange a regular termite inspection for your home today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective treatment for termites?
The most effective termite treatment depends on the construction type, soil condition, and extent of infestation. In most cases, a chemical barrier or in-ground baiting system provides the best long-term control. Chemical barriers stop termites from entering the structure, while baiting systems target and eliminate entire colonies. For some properties, combining both methods gives the most comprehensive protection.
How do I permanently get rid of termites?
Permanent termite control requires both elimination and prevention. A professional pest inspector will locate the colony and apply either a non-repellent termiticide or a baiting system to destroy it. Once the active infestation is eliminated, ongoing prevention through chemical or physical barriers, plus regular inspections, helps ensure termites don’t return.
How much does a termite treatment usually cost?
The cost of termite treatment in Australia varies depending on the property size, type of system used, and severity of infestation. On average, expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,500 for a chemical barrier and $1,800 to $3,000 for a baiting system. Regular follow-up inspections and maintenance services are also recommended to keep your home protected long-term.
Can you treat for termites yourself? tive treatment for termites?
DIY termite treatment is not recommended. Termites often nest deep underground or inside timber where they’re difficult to detect without professional tools. Incorrect or incomplete treatments may leave parts of the colony untouched, allowing the infestation to continue. Always use a licensed termite inspector to ensure safe, effective, and compliant treatment.
What is the fastest way to get rid of termites naturally?
While some natural options such as orange oil, neem oil, or boric acid may temporarily repel termites, they rarely reach and eliminate the colony. The fastest and most reliable way to remove termites is through professional treatment—especially with non-repellent termiticides or baiting systems designed for full-colony eradication.
How long does it take to get rid of termites?
The time frame depends on the treatment type and infestation level. Chemical barriers can provide immediate protection, while baiting systems may take several weeks to completely eliminate a colony. In general, you can expect noticeable results within 4 to 8 weeks, with ongoing monitoring to confirm the termites are gone.
