The Evolution of Termite Protection Chemicals in Australia: A Historical Overview

Australia’s warm climate and high timber usage make it especially vulnerable to termite infestations this article investigates The Evolution of Termite Protection Chemicals in Australia: A Historical Overview. Over the past several decades, the approach to termite protection has evolved significantly—from heavy-duty chemical treatments to more environmentally responsible methods like baiting systems. IT has also shaped the way we have constructed buildings to try and stop termites from destroying our buildings. Here’s a look at how termite protection in Australia has developed over time—and how it has shaped the way we build homes today.

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1. The Early Days: Organochlorines (Pre-1995)

From the early 1920’s, organochlorine chemicals such as Dieldrin, Chlordane, Heptachlor, and Aldrin were widely used for termite protection. Even DDT is from this family of chemicals. These chemicals were incredibly long-lasting, sometimes providing protection for over 20 years. However, their high toxicity and persistence in the environment posed serious risks to human health, wildlife, and groundwater.

By 1995, these chemicals were banned in Australia for domestic use due to environmental and health concerns. They were completely banned in 2010 and can no longer be used except in controlled circumstances.

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2. Transition to Safer Chemicals: Synthetic Pyrethroids & Organophosphates (1990s–2000s)

Following the organochlorine ban, the pest control industry moved to synthetic pyrethroids (e.g., bifenthrin) and organophosphates (e.g., chlorpyrifos). These treatments were less toxic than their predecessors, but had their own challenges:

• Pyrethroids were repellent to termites, which could lead them to bypass treated areas.

• Organophosphates required careful handling due to their toxicity to humans and animals and have been banned for termite protection and domestic use.

While these Chemicals provided effective protection, the need for safer, more targeted solutions continue to Evolve.

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3. The Game Changer: Non-Repellent Termiticides (2000s–Present)

A major innovation came with the development of non-repellent termiticides, such as:

• Fipronil (e.g., Termidor) Fipronil works by disrupting the normal function of the central nervous system in insects.

• Imidacloprid (e.g., Premise)

  How does imidacloprid work?

  Imidacloprid disrupts the nerve’s ability to send a normal signal, and the nervous system stops working the way it should.

• Chlorantraniliprole (e.g., Altriset) Chlorantraniliprole binds to a specific receptor in muscles called the ryanodine receptor. When chlorantraniliprole binds to this receptor, it causes muscle cells to leak calcium. The muscles stop working normally. The insect is paralyzed and dies.

These chemicals allow termites to pass through treated zones without detection. The termites then carry the chemical back to the colony, transferring it to others—known as the transfer effect. This approach leads to more effective colony elimination while being safer for humans and pets. These types of chemicals give greater protection to building compared to the older more toxic Chemicals.

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4. The Rise of Termite Baiting Systems and physical barriers.

Around the same time, termite baiting systems emerged as a major alternative to soil chemical treatments. These systems use slow-acting toxic baits that worker termites consume and share with the colony.

All of the following are  insect growth regulators (IGR) that works by stopping the insect’s growth. It interferes
with chitin synthesis, which termites need to form a new exoskeleton. The IGR stops the termites ability to grow their new exoskeleton Which cause the colonies to die.

Notable baiting products include:

• Sentricon (using hexaflumuron) Hexaflumuron is an insect growth regulator (IGR) that works by stopping the insect’s growth. It interferes
  with chitin synthesis, which termites need to form a new exoskeleton. all the below are IGR’s and work the same way.

• Exterra (using diflubenzuron)

• Trelona ATBS (using novaluron)

• Xterm and Nemesis (also using insect growth regulators)

Baiting is especially valuable in:

• Sensitive environments

• Sites where soil treatments aren’t feasible

• Integrated pest management strategies

These systems are less invasive, low in toxicity, and target the colony directly, making them a preferred option in many modern pest control programs.

5. How Termites Have Shaped the Way We Build Homes

The threat of termites has influenced Australian building methods for over a century. Before chemical solutions were widely available, builders relied on Building strategies to help stop termites. These include:

• Post-and-pier construction: Early Queensland homes were often built elevated on timber or concrete stumps. This raised design made it easier to inspect for termite activity underneath the home and added a natural barrier against ground-based infestations.

• Ant caps: Metal ant capping was installed on top of piers or posts to prevent termites from entering the timber structure above undetected. While not a physical barrier,  the ant caps force termites to build visible mud tubes, making their presence easier to detect during inspections.

• Ventilation and clearance: Elevated homes allowed for better airflow under the structure, which prevents moist conditions that termites prefer.

These early termite-conscious design choices laid the groundwork for more advanced protection methods, and their principles still influence construction today.

As building regulations evolved, so did the strategies:

• Concrete slabs with integrated termite barriers

• Physical barriers like stainless steel mesh and graded stone

• Reticulation systems for chemical reapplication

• Treated timbers and steel framing in termite-prone zones

Importantly, some modern homes are still built using elevated post-and-beam construction or suspended concrete slabs, especially in high-risk termite areas or sloping blocks. These designs maintain the advantage of visibility and clearance beneath the structure, making termite detection and barrier maintenance easier.

Together, these changes show how termite management has become a core consideration in the design and regulation of Australian homes—from the ground up.

6. Today’s Approach: Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Modern termite management in Australia combines various methods for comprehensive protection:

• Chemical soil treatments using non-repellents

• Baiting systems for colony elimination

• Physical barriers (e.g., stainless steel mesh, chemical impregnated blanket or graded stone)

• Regular inspections and monitoring

This Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach ensures a long-term, effective, and environmentally conscious defence against termites.

None of these systems mentioned above are 100% effective , so it is very important to maintain these systems with regular inspections and rectify any conditions that attract termites, eg: moisture around structures, keeping inspection zone clear for monitoring of any activity.

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Protect Your Home with Certified Home Inspections

Understanding the history of termite protection highlights how far the industry has come—but it also shows how essential it is to stay Up to date. At Certified Home Inspections, we combine proven strategies with modern tools, treatments and termite management systems to help protect your biggest investment.

Whether you’re building, buying, or maintaining a property, we offer expert Termite inspections and pre purchase inspections, detailed digital reports, and tailored termite solutions that comply with Australian Standards.

Book your inspection today or get in touch to discuss the best protection plan for your home.

Call Today on tel:1800 862 683