Termidor SC · Kordon · HomeGuard · Reticulation

Termite Barrier Systems Brisbane

Q: How much does a termite barrier cost in Brisbane?

Termidor SC chemical barrier installation costs $1,800-$3,800 for a standard Brisbane house depending on perimeter size and construction type. Physical barrier (Kordon, HomeGuard) installation is a pre-construction cost of $1,200-$2,800 as it is embedded during the build. Reticulation system installation costs $1,800-$3,200. All prices include materials, labour, and the applicable product warranty.

Q: How long does a Termidor barrier last?

Termidor SC chemical barriers carry an 8-year manufacturer warranty when applied at label rates by a licensed contractor. The product typically remains at protective concentrations in Brisbane soil for 8-10 years before the treated zone degrades below protective levels. Re-treatment is required after this period. Annual inspection is recommended during the warranty period to confirm the barrier has not been bridged by soil disturbance or new construction.

Q: What is the difference between a chemical barrier and a physical barrier?

A chemical barrier (Termidor SC) is a liquid termiticide injected or trenched into the soil around the building perimeter, creating a treated zone that kills termites contacting it. A physical barrier (Kordon, HomeGuard) is a sheet membrane or treated material installed during construction around all penetrations and slab edges to physically block termite entry. Chemical barriers can be retrofitted to existing homes. Physical barriers must be installed during construction and cannot be retrofitted.

Q: Can a termite barrier be installed on an existing home?

Chemical barriers (Termidor SC) can be retrofitted to any existing home regardless of construction type. This involves trenching around the perimeter to exposed soil, drilling through concrete paths and paved surfaces at regular intervals, and injecting the termiticide into the soil. Physical barriers (Kordon, HomeGuard) cannot be retrofitted. They must be installed during construction before the slab is poured.

Q: Is Termidor safe around children and pets?

Termidor SC contains fipronil at 100g/L. At residential soil application rates, fipronil presents very low risk to mammals once incorporated into the soil. Children and pets should be kept off disturbed soil areas for 48 hours after application while the soil settles. The product is registered by the APVMA for residential use. Termidor applied by a licensed contractor at label rates is considered safe for residential use.

Q: Which termite barrier is best for Brisbane homes?

Termidor SC chemical barrier is the most commonly installed termite protection system in Brisbane and the standard recommendation for retrofitting existing homes. It has an established track record across Southeast Queensland's soil types and climate. Kordon physical barrier is the standard for new construction. For properties with established concrete paths, gardens, and paving where drilling is undesirable, a baiting system is a practical alternative. See our baiting systems page for comparison.

Q: What warranty comes with a termite barrier?

Termidor SC chemical barriers carry an 8-year manufacturer warranty when applied at label rates by a licensed contractor. Kordon and HomeGuard physical barriers carry a 50-year manufacturer warranty when correctly installed during construction. Our own workmanship warranty applies alongside the product warranty for all barrier installations.

Q: Does a termite barrier cover insurance?

Standard home insurance policies in Australia do not cover termite damage regardless of whether a barrier is installed. Some specialist termite damage insurers require evidence of a current barrier and annual inspection as a condition of cover. Having a documented barrier and annual inspection history is the recognised industry standard for managing termite risk in the absence of standard insurance cover.

Chemical barriers (Termidor SC, 8-year warranty) for existing homes. Physical barriers (Kordon, HomeGuard, 50-year warranty) for new construction. Reticulation systems for ongoing replenishment. Full installation and warranty documentation.

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At a Glance

Termidor chemical barrier$1,800-$3,800

Termidor warranty8 years

Kordon physical barrier$1,200-$2,800

Kordon warranty50 years

Retrofit to existing home?Chemical: Yes. Physical: No.

Three Types of Termite Barriers

The Three Types of Termite Barriers Used in Brisbane

Each barrier type works differently and suits different situations. The construction stage of the property and whether active termites are present determines which option or combination is most suitable.

Type 1

Chemical Soil Barrier

Liquid termiticide injected or trenched into the soil around the building perimeter and under the slab where applicable. Termites contacting the treated zone pick up and transfer the active ingredient (fipronil) to nestmates, eliminating the colony. Can be retrofitted to any existing home.

8-year warranty (Termidor)

Type 2

Physical Barrier

Sheet membrane or treated material installed during construction around all pipe penetrations, slab edges, and expansion joints. Physically blocks termite entry routes rather than killing termites. Must be installed during construction. Cannot be retrofitted to existing homes.

50-year warranty (Kordon, HomeGuard)

Type 3

Reticulation System

Perforated pipe network installed in the soil around the building perimeter, connected to an injection port at ground level. Termiticide is injected through the port to replenish the treated zone without excavation. Used for both new construction and retrofitting where soil conditions suit the approach.

Warranty tied to product used

Chemical Barrier: Termidor SC

Termidor SC Chemical Barrier: How It Works

Termidor SC (fipronil 100SC) is the most widely used termite management product in Australia. Its transfer effect distinguishes it from earlier termiticides: termites do not need to contact the treated zone directly to be eliminated.

The Transfer Effect

Termites pick up fipronil at the treated zone

Worker termites foraging through the treated soil pick up fipronil on their body. Unlike repellent termiticides which termites avoid, Termidor is undetectable to termites. They continue through the treated zone carrying the active ingredient.

Colony Spread

Fipronil transfers to nestmates

Workers return to the colony and transfer fipronil to nestmates through physical contact and food sharing (trophallaxis). The active ingredient spreads through the colony over 3-12 weeks. Workers, soldiers, nymphs, and the queen are all affected.

Colony Elimination

Full colony eliminated

The colony loses the capacity to function as workers and soldiers are eliminated. The queen, without workers to feed her, dies. Colony elimination typically occurs 3-12 weeks after the treated zone is first contacted, depending on colony size.

Ongoing Protection

Treated zone remains active

The treated soil zone remains at protective concentrations for 8-10 years under Brisbane conditions. New colonies attempting to enter the property contact the treated zone and are eliminated via the same transfer mechanism.

Termidor SC Product Specifications

Active ingredientFipronil 100g/L

APVMA registrationAPVMA registered for residential soil treatment

Application methodTrenching and rodding to soil, drilling through concrete at 300mm intervals

Application rateLabel-specified rate per linear metre based on soil type

Effective life8-10 years in Brisbane clay and sandy loam soils

Manufacturer warranty8 years when applied by licensed contractor at label rates

Re-treatmentRequired after 8-10 years or after soil disturbance that may bridge the barrier

LicencingCan only be applied by a licensed pest management technician

Physical Barriers: Pre-Construction Only

Physical Termite Barriers: Kordon, HomeGuard, Granitgard

Physical barriers must be installed during construction. They cannot be retrofitted to existing buildings. If you are building a new home in Brisbane, physical barrier installation is the most cost-effective long-term protection available. The 50-year warranty outlasts three Termidor barrier cycles. See our pre-construction page for full details.

50-Year Warranty

Kordon Termite Barrier

A registered pesticide device consisting of a deltamethrin-treated polymer sheeting wrapped around pipe penetrations, internal pier connections, and perimeter slab edges. Installed by licensed contractors at the construction stage. Termites contacting the treated sheeting are killed. The sheeting remains permanently embedded in the structure.

50-year manufacturer warranty when correctly installed

50-Year Warranty

HomeGuard Termite Barrier

CSIRO-developed polymer sheeting treated with bifenthrin. Similar installation method to Kordon: wrapped around penetrations and slab edges during construction. HomeGuard can also be installed as a perimeter sheet barrier under the slab footprint. Wide use across new residential construction in Southeast Queensland.

50-year manufacturer warranty when correctly installed

Particle Barrier

Granitgard (Granite Particle)

A physical particle barrier using crushed granite particles of a specific size range that termites cannot move through or penetrate. Installed around pipe penetrations and subfloor walls. No chemical treatment: the barrier works purely by physical size exclusion. Long service life with no degradation. Used in conjunction with Kordon or HomeGuard rather than as a standalone system.

Long-life: no chemical degradation

Reticulation Systems

Reticulation Systems: Refillable Barrier Networks

A reticulation system installs a network of perforated pipes in the soil around the building perimeter, connected to a flush port at ground level. When the termiticide concentration in the treated zone needs refreshing, new product is injected through the port without excavation or drilling.

When Reticulation Is the Right Choice

Reticulation systems are most suitable for properties where repeated access to the soil perimeter is difficult (paved courtyards, tiled alfresco areas, established gardens with no disturb constraints) and where the owner wants the ability to refresh the barrier without the cost and disruption of full re-treatment drilling.

No drilling through established concrete and paving at re-treatment time

Consistent chemical distribution through the perforated pipe network

Can be installed during new construction or retrofitted to existing homes

Works with Termidor SC and other registered termiticides

Barrier Comparison

Termite Barrier Comparison

The choice between barrier types is mostly determined by the construction stage and whether the home is new or existing.

Factor	Termidor Chemical	Kordon / HomeGuard Physical	Reticulation
New construction	Yes	Yes (only option)	Yes
Existing home retrofit	Yes	No	Yes
Manufacturer warranty	8 years	50 years	Tied to product
Active termites present	Best choice	Construction only	Can be used
Concrete drilling required	Yes at install	No (embedded)	No at re-treat
Re-treatment disruption	Drilling at 8-10 years	None (permanent)	Flush port only
Chemical in soil	Fipronil (APVMA approved)	Deltamethrin or bifenthrin in sheeting	Termiticide of choice
Cost range	$1,800-$3,800	$1,200-$2,800 (construction)	$1,800-$3,200

New Build vs Existing Home

Barrier Options: New Construction vs Existing Home

The construction stage is the key decision point. Physical barriers are only available during construction. Chemical barriers are available at any stage. Combining both approaches is the strongest long-term protection for new builds in Brisbane.

New Construction

Best Protection for New Brisbane Builds

Install Kordon or HomeGuard physical barrier around all penetrations and slab edges during construction. 50-year warranty.

Add Termidor SC soil treatment to the footprint area for dual protection during the construction phase.

Install a reticulation system if the design includes areas where future soil access for chemical re-treatment will be difficult.

Building Code of Australia (Queensland) requires documented termite management for all new residential construction. Confirm system choice with your builder early.

Existing Home

Retrofitting Protection to an Existing Brisbane Home

Termidor SC chemical barrier is the standard retrofitting option. Applied by trenching around exposed soil and drilling through concrete at 300mm intervals.

Reticulation system can also be retrofitted where future re-treatment access is constrained by established paving and gardens.

Inspection before installation confirms the property is free from active termite activity. Treatment for active termites may be required before barrier installation.

Annual inspection after installation confirms the barrier has not been bridged by new soil disturbance, garden bed changes, or building additions.

Pricing

Termite Barrier Cost Brisbane

All prices include materials, installation, and the applicable product warranty. A formal quote is provided after an inspection confirms the property layout and access conditions. See our termite pricing page.

Termidor Chemical Barrier

$1,800-$3,800

Existing home retrofit. Trenching, drilling, and injection. 8-year manufacturer warranty. Brisbane-wide.

Physical Barrier (New Build)

$1,200-$2,800

Kordon or HomeGuard installed during construction. 50-year warranty. Coordinate with builder during pre-slab stage.

Reticulation System

$1,800-$3,200

New construction or retrofit. Perforated pipe network with flush ports. Chemical cost extra at re-treatment.

FAQ

Termite Barrier FAQ

How much does a termite barrier cost in Brisbane?

Termidor SC chemical barrier costs $1,800-$3,800 for a standard Brisbane house. Kordon and HomeGuard physical barriers installed during construction cost $1,200-$2,800. Reticulation systems cost $1,800-$3,200. All prices include materials, installation, and the applicable product warranty. A formal quote is provided after an inspection confirms property layout and access conditions.

How long does a Termidor barrier last?

Termidor SC carries an 8-year manufacturer warranty when applied at label rates by a licensed contractor. The product typically remains at protective concentrations in Brisbane soil for 8-10 years before degrading below effective levels. Re-treatment is required after this period. Annual inspection during the warranty period is recommended to confirm the barrier has not been breached by soil disturbance.

What is the difference between a chemical and physical barrier?

A chemical barrier (Termidor SC) creates a treated soil zone that kills termites contacting it via the transfer effect. It can be retrofitted to any existing home. A physical barrier (Kordon, HomeGuard) is a treated sheet membrane embedded during construction that physically blocks termite entry. It cannot be retrofitted. Physical barriers have a 50-year warranty. Chemical barriers have 8 years.

Can a termite barrier be installed on an existing home?

Yes, chemical barriers can. Termidor SC is retrofitted by trenching around exposed soil perimeter and drilling through concrete paths, paving, and driveways at 300mm intervals around the building footprint. Physical barriers (Kordon, HomeGuard) cannot be retrofitted. They must be installed before the slab is poured during construction.

Is Termidor safe around children and pets?

Termidor SC is APVMA registered for residential soil treatment. At label application rates, fipronil in soil presents very low risk to mammals. Children and pets should be kept off disturbed soil for 48 hours after application. The product is not applied to surfaces children or pets contact. Applied by a licensed contractor at label rates, Termidor is considered safe for residential use across all standard construction types.

Which termite barrier is best for Brisbane homes?

For existing homes, Termidor SC is the standard recommendation. It has a well-documented track record across Southeast Queensland's soil types. For new construction, Kordon or HomeGuard physical barrier combined with Termidor soil treatment gives the strongest long-term protection. For properties where future drilling for re-treatment is problematic, a reticulation system paired with Termidor is a practical alternative. See our baiting systems page if you prefer no chemical soil treatment.

What warranty comes with the barrier installation?

Termidor barriers carry an 8-year manufacturer warranty when applied by a licensed contractor at label rates. Kordon and HomeGuard physical barriers carry a 50-year manufacturer warranty when correctly installed during construction. Our own workmanship warranty applies alongside the product warranty for all barrier installations.

Does a termite barrier cover insurance?

Standard home insurance policies do not cover termite damage. Some specialist termite damage insurers require evidence of a current barrier and annual inspection as a condition of partial cover. Having a documented barrier installation and annual inspection history is the recognised industry standard for managing termite risk.

Termite control overview Baiting systems Pre-construction protection

Termidor Barrier. 8-Year Warranty. Brisbane-Wide.

Existing Home Retrofit · New Build · Reticulation · from $1,800

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