A Homeowner’s Guide for NSW

Buying a home in NSW means inheriting whatever termite protection the previous owner (or builder) installed, good, bad, or none at all.
The problem? Most homeowners have no idea what system is currently protecting their house, how old it is, or whether it is due for renewal.

This guide explains exactly how to find out what termite protection your home has, what the law requires in NSW, and the signs to look for so you can avoid expensive termite surprises later.

Why Termite Protection Matters in NSW

Sydney and surrounding regions, especially the Hills District, North Shore, Western Sydney and coastal suburbs, are classified as high-risk termite zones.
Because of this, the NSW Building Code requires all new homes to have a Termite Risk Management (TRM) system installed during construction.

But once you buy a home, no one hands you a simple card saying what system you have.

So let’s break it down.

How to Tell What Termite Protection Your Home Has

Below are the six most reliable ways to identify the termite system in your property.

1. Look for the Mandatory Termite Certificate (Required by NSW Law)

Under the NSW Building Code and AS 3660.1, the builder must provide:

• A certificate describing the termite management system installed
• A durable notice placed in the home
• The date of installation
• The installer’s details
• The recommended maintenance schedule

Where to find it:

• Inside the electrical meter box
• Inside the kitchen sink cupboard
• Inside the laundry cupboard
• On the garage wall near the switchboard

This label may indicate:

• Physical barrier (Kordon, HomeGuard, TermSeal)
• Concrete slab edge exposure
• Granite/stone barrier
• Chemical soil treatment
• Termite reticulation system (Termidor, TermX, Altis, Termguard)

If the sticker is missing, it does not mean there is no system — only that it wasn’t recorded or has fallen off.

2. Look for Reticulation System Refill Points

A reticulation system uses underground pipes to deliver termiticide around your home.

Signs you have one:

• White, black, or green plastic caps along the house perimeter
• Access points near garden edges, driveways, or patios
• A labelled refill port sticking slightly above ground

If you see these, you likely have:

• Termidor® reticulation
• FipForce® system
• TermX
• Altis
• Termguard

Termite reticulation systems require refilling every 3 years (for premium termiticides) or every 1–2 years (for budget chemicals).

3. Check Your Pre-Purchase Pest & Building Report

If the home was bought in the last few years:

• The inspector should have listed termite protection details.
• Many reports include photographs of barriers, slab edges, or reticulation lines.

However, pre-purchase reports are often vague, so confirming with a licensed termite specialist is recommended.

4. Inspect the Slab Edges

Homes built on concrete slabs must have visible slab edges unless another approved system is installed.

What to look for:

• A visible concrete edge between the ground and brickwork
• No soil or garden built up above the weepholes
• No decking attached flush to the wall

If slab edges are exposed, this may be the termite protection — but it must remain unobstructed to work.

5. Look for Physical Barriers (Common in Newer Homes)

During construction, builders may install physical termite barriers such as:

• Kordon (orange/yellow sheet material)
• HomeGuard (blue plastic sheeting)
• TermSeal
• Stainless steel mesh
• Graded stone layers

Clues you have a physical barrier:

• A label in the meter box naming the brand
• A visible sheet layer around pipe penetrations in the slab
• Notes in the building documentation from the builder

These systems usually protect the structure for the life of the building — but they still require regular termite inspections.

6. Ask a Termite Specialist for a Compliance Check

If you cannot find:

• A label
• A certificate
• A refill point
• Any documentation

…your home may have no active termite protection.

A licensed termite technician can:

• Identify any physical barriers
• Detect old chemical treatments
• Scan for reticulation systems
• Inspect for slab edge exposure
• Provide a complete termite risk status

They can also advise whether your home needs:

• A new chemical barrier
• A reticulation refill
• A baiting system
• A pre-sale termite certificate

What Does NSW Law Actually Require?

1. Builders must install a Termite Risk Management System in all new homes

(As per the NCC & AS 3660.1)

2. A durable notice MUST be installed (label in meter box or cupboard)

3. Homeowners must maintain the system

Even with a barrier installed, you must continue yearly termite inspections under Australian Standards (AS 3660.2). Full details are outlined here:
Termite Risk Management Systems for Homes in NSW

What If You Still Can’t Tell What System You Have?

If you don’t have documentation or visible systems, it’s best to assume:

You are not protected.

Sydney termite hot spots include:

• The Hills District
• North Shore
• Northern Beaches
• Hawkesbury

A simple termite inspection can confirm your risk level in under an hour.

When Should You Get a New Termite Barrier Installed?

You should consider installing or updating termite protection if:

• Your reticulation system hasn’t been refilled in 3+ years
• No certificate exists
• You cannot find any records
• You’re preparing to sell or renovate
• You’ve noticed mud tunnels, damaged timber, or flying termites

A high-quality chemical barrier using Termidor® or FipForce® can protect your home for up to 8 years and is the most effective solution available.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Guess — Confirm Your Termite Protection

Most homeowners are surprised at how little they know about their termite system.
But the good news is: it’s easy to find out when you know where to look.

Start by checking:

• Your meter box
• Under the kitchen sink
• Builder documentation
• Slab edges
• Reticulation caps

If you’re still unsure, get a termite inspection, it’s a small cost compared to the price of termite damage.

Want help identifying your termite system?
So Pest Off can inspect, diagnose, and create a complete termite protection plan to keep your home safe.

Termite Protection FAQs

How do I know if my home has a termite protection system installed?

Most NSW homes should have a termite protection label inside the electrical meter box, kitchen sink cupboard, or garage. This label lists the system installed, the installer, and maintenance dates. If no label exists, look for reticulation refill points around the home, exposed slab edges, or physical barrier materials. A termite inspection can confirm the system if documentation is missing.

What documents should my home have if a termite system was installed?

You should have a termite management certificate, a durable notice (usually located inside the meter box), and documentation from the builder or pest control company. These outline the type of system installed, installation date, and maintenance schedule.

Can I find out what system I have without paperwork?

Yes. A technician can identify physical barriers, chemical barriers, or reticulation systems during an inspection. They can also determine whether old chemical treatments are still active and whether the property needs new protection.

Where are termite reticulation refill points usually located?

They are commonly found along garden edges, near paved areas, beside driveways, or around the external perimeter walls. Refill caps may be white, black, or green plastic ports slightly raised above ground.

Does NSW law require termite protection for all homes?

Yes. NSW building codes require all new homes to have a Termite Risk Management (TRM) system installed during construction. The system must meet AS 3660.1 and include a durable notice outlining the type of protection and required maintenance.

What if the previous owner didn’t maintain the termite protection system?

If maintenance has lapsed, the system may no longer be effective. A termite specialist will assess the condition of the system and may recommend a refill, a new chemical barrier, or additional monitoring depending on risk level.

How often should termite systems be inspected in NSW?

Australian Standards (AS 3660.2) require annual termite inspections, regardless of what system is installed. Homes in high-risk areas, such as the Hills District or Western Sydney, may benefit from inspections every 6–12 months.

What should I do if I cannot identify any termite system at all?

If no barrier, documentation, or refill points can be found, it’s safest to assume you have no active protection. A termite inspection will confirm your risk and help you choose the best option, such as a chemical barrier, baiting system, or reticulation installation.