Termite Reticulation Systems in Sydney

A termite reticulation system is a network of pipes laid in the ground around a house. The pipes let the termiticide out into the soil along their length. When the system is refilled, the chemical barrier goes back in without digging a new trench.

I've always installed reticulation systems, and I install them on new builds only. They're one of the four types of termite barrier I put in, alongside Termidor chemical barriers, TermSeal and Green Zone physical barriers, and baiting. You can compare them all on my termite barriers page.

How a reticulation system works

A chemical barrier is a treated zone of soil around the house. Termites coming up from the ground hit that zone before they reach the timber. Over time the chemical in the soil breaks down, and the zone needs treating again.

With an ordinary chemical barrier, re-treating means trenching along the walls again, and drilling through any paths or concrete in the way. With a reticulation system the pipes are already in the ground. Re-treating means connecting to the system at a fill point and pushing termiticide through the pipes.

Who it suits

Reticulation is a new-build system. The pipes go in before the paths, driveway and gardens cover the ground, which is the only time I lay them.

For an existing home, a trenched chemical barrier or a monitoring system suits better. I explain the difference in chemical barrier or monitoring system.

If the house is still at slab stage, a physical barrier like TermSeal or Green Zone goes under the slab, and reticulation can go in around the outside alongside it.

Installing a reticulation system

The pipes are laid around the outside of the slab before the concrete paths and landscaping go down. The system is then filled, and you get the paperwork for the job. Installs are to AS 3660.1.

Refills and the yearly inspection

A reticulation system only protects the house while it's maintained. That means two things:

1. Refilled on schedule. The termiticide in the soil breaks down over time, so the system is refilled, usually every 3 to 5 years.
2. Inspected yearly by me. Every year I check the house for termite activity, look at the fill points and check that nothing has been built over or dug through the system.

If a refill is missed, the soil around the house loses its protection until the next one.

Warranty and cover

Protection lasts while the system is refilled on schedule and inspected yearly by me.

If you renovate or landscape and disturb the system, cover for that section is limited until I've checked it and restored it. It doesn't void the whole thing. Call me before you dig.

What it costs

A reticulation system on a new build is about $2,000. You get a written, itemised quote before anything starts.

The yearly inspection is a normal termite inspection: $330 single storey or $350 two storey.

Start with the plans

For a new build, get in touch while the house is still at slab stage, so the pipes can go in before the paths and landscaping. If you're a homeowner with an existing house, start with a termite inspection. I check the house with a thermal camera and moisture meter, write the report on site on the AS 4349.3-2010 timber pest form, and hand it to you before I leave. Book a termite inspection.

Common questions

What is a termite reticulation system?
A network of pipes laid in the ground around the house that gets refilled with termiticide on a schedule. It lets the chemical barrier be topped up without digging a new trench.

How often does a reticulation system need refilling?
Usually every 3 to 5 years. The system is also inspected by me every year.

Can a reticulation system go into an existing home?
No. I only install reticulation on new builds, before the paths and gardens go down. For an existing home, a chemical barrier or a monitoring system suits better.

How long does a reticulation system protect my house?
Protection lasts while the system is refilled on schedule and inspected yearly by me.

Is reticulation better than baiting?
They do different jobs. Reticulation keeps a treated zone of soil around the house. Baiting uses stations in the ground, and bait goes in once termites turn up. More on chemical barrier or monitoring system.