GLOSSARY · ADELAIDE
Termite barrier
Plain English
Chemical or physical barrier installed around a building to prevent termite entry. Required on new builds under AS 3660.
Modern Australian new builds must include a termite management system under AS 3660.1. Common systems: chemical soil treatment under and around the slab, physical barriers (mesh, granular), or chemically-treated timber framing.
Existing homes can be retrofitted with chemical or bait-based systems. Effectiveness depends on installation quality and ongoing monitoring.
Inspectors will note the presence or absence of a termite barrier, its age (chemical barriers degrade over 5-10 years), and whether the property has a current termite management plan.