Termite treatment options after a positive inspection

What happens after the report flags termites

Your inspection report has come back. Page 4 says "active subterranean termite activity confirmed". The next 24 hours feel like a scramble: should you call a treatment company, get more quotes, panic about cost, or wait? This guide is for you.

A quick disclosure before we start. We are a quote marketplace for pest inspections in Adelaide. We do not perform termite treatment ourselves. What we do see is hundreds of post-inspection conversations between Adelaide homeowners and licensed termite treatment specialists, and the patterns are consistent enough to write down. This article explains what your treatment options are, what they cost, and how to choose between them, in plain English.

First, separate the inspection from the treatment

The first thing to understand is that the inspector who confirmed activity is rarely the same person who treats the activity. The inspection follows AS 4349.3 (the visual inspection standard) and AS 3660.2 (the existing-building management standard). The treatment is a separate licensed activity that requires a chemical handling licence under SA pest management regulations.

Some operators do both. Most specialised inspectors prefer to stay independent, because the credibility of an inspection report is partially based on the inspector having no financial interest in the recommended treatment. If your inspector recommends a specific treatment company, that is fine, but you are entitled to compare two or three treatment quotes before signing anything.

A reasonable post-inspection sequence:

1. Read the inspection report fully. Note where the activity is, the recommended action, and any specific products mentioned.
2. Ring three licensed termite treatment specialists for on-site quotes.
3. Get the treatment specialist to confirm in writing what method they propose, the AS 3660 compliance basis, and the warranty terms.
4. Compare quotes on method, warranty, and price (in that order; price last).

Treatment quotes in Adelaide for an average residential property typically range from $2,500 to $5,000 depending on method and property size. Premium treatments on larger or more complex properties can run $5,000 to $8,000. The variance is large because the methods themselves are quite different in scope and cost.

The four main treatment methods

There are four treatment approaches in use across Adelaide. They are not mutually exclusive (some properties end up with a combination), but most jobs use one as the primary approach.

Method 1: Chemical soil barriers (perimeter spray)

The classic approach. A licensed operator trenches around the entire perimeter of the structure (and around all entry points: piers, slab penetrations, plumbing risers) and applies a non-repellent termiticide to the soil. The chemical creates a treated zone that termites cannot pass through without picking up a lethal dose, which they then carry back to the colony.

Common chemistry in Adelaide:

• Fipronil-based products (e.g. Termidor, Taurus): non-repellent, transfers from worker to worker, kills the colony over weeks.
• Imidacloprid-based products (e.g. Premise): similar non-repellent mode of action, slightly different chemistry.
• Bifenthrin-based products (e.g. Biflex): repellent, more affordable, but creates a deterrent rather than a colony-elimination effect.

Application typically requires trenching, drilling (through paths, paving, or slab edges), and chemical application at 5-8 litres per linear metre of perimeter. The chemical lasts 5-8 years in the soil before requiring re-treatment.

Typical Adelaide cost: $2,800 to $4,500 for a single-storey residential perimeter, including any drilling required. Warranty is typically 5 years on the treatment, with annual inspection conditions.

Method 2: Baiting stations

A modern alternative or complement to soil treatment. In-ground bait stations are installed around the perimeter at 2-3 metre intervals, with each station containing a wood matrix or active bait. Termites locate the station, feed on the bait, and carry the active ingredient back to the colony.

The leading bait systems in Australia:

• Sentricon Always Active: continuously-active bait (noviflumuron) in fixed stations. Industry standard, used by Dow.
• Exterra: in-ground monitoring stations that switch to active bait (chlorfluazuron) once activity is detected.
• Nemesis: similar in-ground system with chlorfluazuron bait.
• Trelona: above-ground bait stations placed directly on shelter tubes, with novaluron as the active ingredient.

Baiting works by interrupting the moulting cycle of the workers. Workers die over 4-12 weeks, the colony loses its labour pool, and the queen and reproductives die from starvation. It is slower than a soil treatment but eliminates the colony entirely rather than just deflecting it.

Typical Adelaide cost: $3,000 to $4,500 for initial installation plus annual monitoring fees of $250 to $450. Warranty terms vary; Sentricon installations typically include 12 months active monitoring with a renewal option.

Method 3: Reticulation systems (refillable barriers)

A reticulation system is essentially a chemical barrier with a refill mechanism. Perforated pipework is laid in the soil around the perimeter at construction (or retrofitted in trenches around existing properties), with refill ports at corners. The pipework is initially charged with termiticide, and refilled every 5-8 years.

Common reticulation brands available in Adelaide:

• Altis Reticulation
• HomeGuard Reticulation
• TermiGuard Reticulation

The advantage over a one-shot soil barrier is the refill capability. You do not need to trench and re-apply chemical every five years; you pump fresh termiticide through the pipework. This is particularly valuable for properties with paved surrounds (the alternative being expensive drilling through hardstand).

Typical Adelaide cost for retrofit: $4,000 to $7,000 depending on perimeter length and access. Cost of refill at 5-8 year intervals: $1,200 to $2,500. See our termite barriers and reticulation guide for more on how these systems work.

Method 4: Direct treatment of the active site (dust and foam)

Targeted, in-situ treatment of the actual workings is sometimes the right first step, especially when the live colony is contained in a small area of the structure and accessible. Two main products are used:

• Termidor Dust (fipronil-based powder): applied directly to live workings, sticking to the termites' bodies and transferring through the colony.
• Termidor Foam (fipronil-based foam): injected into voids and galleries, expanding to fill the space and contacting workers throughout the system.

These methods do not replace a perimeter treatment in the long run, because they treat the visible workings but do not stop new colonies from approaching the structure. They are excellent at killing the colony that is currently active in the property, often within 2-4 weeks. A reputable plan combines direct treatment of the workings with a follow-up perimeter system to prevent re-entry.

Typical Adelaide cost: $400 to $900 for direct treatment as a standalone procedure, with the perimeter treatment quoted separately.

Cost summary table

Method	Initial cost	Ongoing	Warranty typical	Best for
Chemical soil barrier	$2,800-$4,500	Re-treat at 5-8 yrs	5-year treatment	Properties with easy perimeter access
Baiting stations	$3,000-$4,500	$250-$450/yr	Annual renewable	Properties with paving, complex perimeters
Reticulation retrofit	$4,000-$7,000	$1,200-$2,500 at refill	5-8 yr cycle	Long-term protection, paved properties
Direct treatment	$400-$900	n/a (interim)	Limited	Initial knock-down of active workings
Combined approach	$4,500-$7,500	Varies	5+ yrs	Most Adelaide properties with confirmed activity

These are typical Adelaide ranges in 2026. Your actual quotes will vary based on property size, perimeter length, access, foundation type, and the treatment specialist's pricing structure. Always get three quotes.

What AS 3660 actually requires

The Australian Standard for termite management is AS 3660, in three parts:

• AS 3660.1: termite management for new buildings (covers construction-stage barriers)
• AS 3660.2: termite management of existing buildings (the one that applies after a positive inspection)
• AS 3660.3: assessment criteria for termite management systems

AS 3660.2 sets the framework that licensed treatment specialists must follow. It does not mandate one specific method, but it does require:

• A documented inspection report by a competent person prior to treatment
• A treatment proposal that addresses the identified activity and conducive conditions
• A treatment method that complies with the manufacturer's label and Australian regulatory approvals
• Documentation of the treatment carried out, including products, dates, and quantities
• Annual professional re-inspection to verify ongoing protection

If a treatment quote does not reference AS 3660 or does not include annual re-inspection, that is a red flag. Walk away.

How to read three treatment quotes side by side

Once you have three quotes from licensed Adelaide termite specialists, the comparison comes down to five dimensions.

1. Method specificity

The quote should specify exactly what is proposed: the chemical product, the application method, the linear metres of treatment, the number of bait stations (if applicable), and the locations of treatment. Vague quotes like "perimeter termite treatment" without product detail are not enough.

2. AS 3660 compliance statement

The quote should explicitly state compliance with AS 3660.2. This is a basic professional standard. If it is missing, ask.

3. Warranty terms in writing

Every method has different warranty conditions. Soil barrier warranties typically cover the treated soil zone for 5 years subject to annual inspection. Bait warranties cover continuous monitoring. Reticulation warranties cover the pipework integrity and product effectiveness for a defined period. Get the warranty in writing before paying.

4. Annual inspection commitment

All treatment methods require annual professional re-inspection to maintain warranty validity. The quote should specify whether this is included for the first year, what the inspection costs from year 2 onwards, and what happens to the warranty if inspections lapse.

5. Price (last, not first)

Cheapest is rarely best in termite treatment. A $2,200 quote and a $3,800 quote for the same property are usually quoting different scopes (different chemistry, different perimeter coverage, different warranty terms). Read the scope detail before comparing prices.

Common questions

Do I need to leave the house during treatment?

For exterior perimeter soil treatment and bait installation, no. The work is done outside and the chemistry is bound to the soil within hours. For interior dust or foam treatment of active workings, you typically only need to vacate that specific room for a few hours. The treatment specialist will give you site-specific instructions.

Will my pets be safe?

Modern termiticides (fipronil, imidacloprid, chlorfluazuron, bifenthrin) are bound to the soil after application and are not bioavailable at the surface in any meaningful concentration. Pets can return to the treated area within a few hours of application, once the surface is dry. Always confirm specific re-entry timing with your treatment specialist.

Can I treat termites without confirming activity by inspection first?

You can, but you should not. Treatment without inspection means treating without knowing what species you are dealing with, where the colony is, what the conducive conditions are, or whether there are bridging issues that will make the treatment ineffective. The $200-$350 cost of a proper pre-treatment termite inspection is a small fraction of treatment cost and consistently saves money in the long run.

What if I sell the property after treatment?

A documented termite treatment with an active warranty is a positive selling point. Get the treatment certificate, warranty terms, and inspection history in writing and include them in the contract pack. A vendor pest inspection before listing will confirm the treatment is performing as expected.

How long after treatment until termite activity stops?

It depends on the method. Direct dust or foam treatment kills workers in the active gallery within days but the colony continues for weeks. Soil barrier transfer chemistry typically eliminates a colony in 6-12 weeks. Baiting takes 2-4 months for full colony elimination. Your treatment specialist should give you a clear expected timeline at quote stage.

A note on combined inspection and treatment offers

You will sometimes see Adelaide operators offering "free inspection with quoted treatment". The economics are: the inspection is free, but the treatment quote builds in the inspection cost. There are reputable operators who run this model honestly. There are also operators who use the free inspection as a pressure-sales mechanism to push treatment that may not be needed.

Our recommendation is to commission the inspection independently. Pay $200-$350 for a thorough AS 4349.3 inspection from an inspector with no treatment interest, then take that report to two or three treatment specialists for comparable quotes. The added clarity and confidence is worth the small extra spend.

Bottom line

After a positive termite inspection, the right path is:

1. Read the inspection report fully.
2. Ring three licensed termite treatment specialists for written quotes.
3. Compare quotes on method, warranty, and AS 3660 compliance (price last).
4. Choose a method appropriate to your property: soil barrier for accessible perimeters, baiting for paved properties, reticulation for long-term protection, combined approach for confirmed activity.
5. Maintain annual re-inspection to keep warranty valid.

The cost of treatment hurts. The cost of an untreated active colony hurts far more. Compare 3 free quotes for an Adelaide termite inspection and let the report guide your treatment decision.

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