QBCC Compliant · Builder Coordination Available

New Home & Pre-Construction Pest Control Brisbane

Chemical soil barriers, physical membranes, and reticulation systems installed before the slab goes down. Post-build pest treatment also available. QBCC-compliant documentation, builder coordination, and up to 50-year warranties.

At a Glance
Chemical barrier$1,800–$2,800
Physical barrier$2,200–$3,500
Reticulation system$2,800–$4,500
Warranty8–50 years
Builder coordinationIncluded
Why It Matters

Why New Homes Need Pest Protection

Brisbane sits in one of the highest termite-risk zones in Australia. Construction disturbs soil, exposes raw timber framing, and removes natural termite predators from the site. A new home without a barrier system is at immediate risk from day one of occupation. The Queensland Building Code and AS 3660.1 both mandate termite management systems on all new residential builds.

Termite Risk Zone

Brisbane is classified High in the Australian Standard termite hazard map. Attack within 5 years of build is not uncommon without a barrier.

Raw Timber Exposure

New timber framing and flooring has no treatment and no history. Termites move directly to fresh, untreated softwood in preference to weathered timber.

QBCC Requirement

Pre-construction termite treatment is not optional in Queensland. A compliance certificate is required before final inspection and occupation.

Cost of Delay

Pre-construction treatment costs $1,800–$4,500. Post-construction chemical barriers cost more and offer less coverage. Termite damage averages $10,000–$50,000.

Treatment Options

Pre-Construction Termite Treatment Options

Three barrier systems are used in new Brisbane homes. Which is right depends on slab type, build timeline, soil conditions, and whether you want the option of future chemical replenishment. All must be installed before or during the slab pour.

Chemical Soil Barrier
Termidor SC, Biflex AquaMax

A treated zone is created in the soil beneath and around the slab using a termiticide. Termites crossing the treated zone are killed on contact or carry the product back to the colony. This is the most widely used pre-construction method in Brisbane.

Warranty:8–10 years
Re-treatment:Yes, after warranty
Cost range:$1,800–$2,800
Most Common
Physical Barrier
Kordon, HomeGuard

A physical membrane or sheeting is installed during construction to form a continuous barrier that termites cannot penetrate. No chemicals involved in the barrier itself. Kordon and HomeGuard are the two AS 3660.1 compliant physical barrier systems approved for Queensland.

Warranty:Life of building
Re-treatment:Not required
Cost range:$2,200–$3,500
Long-Term Choice
Reticulation System
Replenishable chemical delivery

A pipe network is installed under the slab and around the perimeter during construction. Termiticide is delivered through the pipe system and can be replenished without excavation or slab drilling. Particularly useful where slabs have large paved areas or future access will be difficult.

Warranty:Ongoing with replenishment
Re-treatment:Via pipe network
Cost range:$2,800–$4,500
Best for Large Slabs
Post-Construction Treatment

Post-Construction Pest Treatment

Once a new home is complete and occupied, a post-build general pest treatment addresses the pests that arrive once people move in. New homes are not immune to ants, cockroaches, and spiders. The four stages below describe a complete new home pest program from pre-pour to ongoing protection.

Stage 1

Pre-Pour Treatment

Chemical or physical barrier installed before or during the concrete slab pour. This is the only stage where full subfloor barrier coverage is possible.

Stage 2

Perimeter Top-Up

After construction is complete, external perimeter soil is treated to close any gaps left around footings, paths, and landscaping that were not accessible at the pre-pour stage.

Stage 3

First Annual Inspection

12 months after completion, an AS 3660 termite inspection confirms the barrier is intact and checks for any activity. Required under AS 3660.2 for homes with a termite management system.

Stage 4

General Pest Treatment

After furniture is in and the home is occupied, a general pest treatment addresses cockroaches, ants, and spiders. This is a standard residential treatment, not part of the termite program.

Builder coordination for pre-construction pest control Brisbane
Builder Coordination

Working with Builders and Developers

Pre-construction treatment must happen at exactly the right construction stage. We coordinate directly with builders and project managers so treatment does not delay the build schedule. See our termite barriers page for full technical information.

Build stage coordination

We schedule treatment around the slab pour date and confirm a 24-hour treatment window with the project manager. Treatment is completed within the window and the site is cleared for the concreting crew.

QBCC compliance documentation

Treatment certificate and all required QBCC documentation issued on the day of treatment. Builders receive digital copies within hours and physical copies on request.

Fast scheduling

We confirm a booking within 48 hours of contact and work around the build program. Delays waiting for pest treatment are not acceptable on a construction schedule.

Owner communication

We communicate directly with the owner or buyer if preferred, explaining what was installed, how long it lasts, and what to do at the annual inspection date.

Queensland Compliance

Compliance with Queensland Building Code

What QBCC Requires
Termite management system installed on all new homes in Queensland
System must comply with AS 3660.1 (new buildings) or AS 3660.2 (existing buildings)
Written compliance certificate from a licensed pest manager required
Certificate must be provided to the builder for final inspection
Durable notice of treatment type must be fixed to the property (meter box)
Annual inspections recommended under AS 3660.2 for ongoing warranty validity
We provide all QBCC-required documentation on the treatment day. The builder receives the certificate and the durable notice is fitted at the same time. No extra paperwork steps required on your end.
Relevant Standards
AS 3660.1 — New buildings, pre-construction
AS 3660.2 — Existing buildings and inspections
AS 4349.3 — Timber pest inspection reports
NCC 2022 — National Construction Code, Section 3.11
Request a Compliance Quote
Warranties

Warranty Periods by Barrier Type

Annual inspections are required under AS 3660.2 to maintain warranty validity regardless of the barrier type. All inspection reports are provided in writing and can be used as evidence of ongoing compliance. See our timber pest inspection page.

Barrier TypeProduct ExamplesWarranty PeriodAnnual InspectionRe-treatment Required
Chemical soil barrierTermidor SC, Biflex AquaMax8–10 yearsYes (AS 3660.2)Yes, after warranty expiry
Physical barrierKordon, HomeGuardLife of buildingYes (AS 3660.2)No
Reticulation systemExterra, GreenzoneOngoing with replenishmentYes (AS 3660.2)Via pipe system as needed
FAQ

Pre-Construction Pest Control FAQ

Do new homes need pre-construction pest control?
Yes. The Queensland Building Code and AS 3660.1 require a termite management system on all new residential construction in Queensland. Treatment must be installed before the slab is poured or before timber framing begins, depending on the slab type. Without the compliance certificate, the home cannot pass final building inspection.
What is the difference between a chemical and a physical barrier?
A chemical barrier (Termidor SC, Biflex) is a treated soil zone that kills termites crossing it. It lasts 8-10 years before re-treatment is needed. A physical barrier (Kordon, HomeGuard) is a membrane or sheeting termites physically cannot penetrate. It lasts the life of the building and requires no re-treatment, but costs more to install. See our termite barriers page for a detailed comparison.
How long does a pre-construction termite barrier last?
Chemical soil barriers last 8-10 years before re-treatment is needed. Physical barriers such as Kordon and HomeGuard last the life of the building when correctly installed. Reticulation systems last indefinitely when replenished on schedule. Annual inspections under AS 3660.2 are required for all barrier types to maintain warranty validity.
Is pre-construction termite treatment required by QBCC?
Yes. The National Construction Code and Queensland Building and Construction Commission requirements mandate a termite management system on all new homes. The compliance certificate from a licensed pest manager is required before final building inspection can be passed. We provide all required documentation on the day of treatment.
How much does pre-construction pest control cost?
Pre-construction termite treatment costs $1,800–$4,500 depending on the slab size, construction type, and barrier system. Chemical barriers are $1,800–$2,800. Physical barriers are $2,200–$3,500. Reticulation systems are $2,800–$4,500. Exact price confirmed after reviewing the plans and site. Request a free quote or call 0406 178 471.
Can you coordinate with my builder?
Yes. We work directly with builders and project managers to schedule treatment at the right construction stage, provide QBCC compliance documentation immediately on completion, and confirm site clearance for the concreting crew. We are experienced with Brisbane's major residential builders and their documentation requirements.
What if I missed pre-construction treatment?
Post-construction options include a chemical barrier to the external perimeter soil zone, bait station systems, or a reticulation system drilled through the slab edge. Protection is less complete than a pre-pour barrier, but significantly better than no treatment. A termite inspection should be conducted first to confirm there is no current activity before installing any barrier system.
Are reticulation systems worth the extra cost?
For homes with large paved areas, future excavation would be difficult and disruptive when the chemical barrier needs re-treatment after 8-10 years. A reticulation system allows replenishment through the pipe network without touching pavers or landscaping. Over the life of the home, the extra upfront cost is often recovered in re-treatment savings and avoided disruption to established gardens and paths.

Get a Pre-Construction Quote Today.

QBCC Compliant · Builder Coordination · Same-Week Scheduling · All Barrier Types