Termites already!!
 

Had an extension built 10 months ago, Kordon barrier and retic system along with exterior spraying. Now full of termites!!! :scared:
Just read through my house insurance policy and, of course, insect damage is not covered!!! :confused:
Anyone come across this?
The guys that laid the termite barrier and retic system - are they liable? There must be some sort of gurantee against failure so quick?
Can anyone recommend an insurance company that does cover such damage (for next time!)?

Anyone in the Trade with 100% correct advice would be great.

Andrew

Re: Termites already!!
 

First, *don't panic*!

Have you discovered the things yourself? Or perhaps an inspector has found them? In which case, have you been under and seen for yourself? I ask because there *are* some "inspectors" out there wo carry a pocketful around to get business.

You will be very lucky to get insurance against termite damage - it is just too prevalent, so even if you could the premiums would be horrible.

If you have to rid yourself of an infestation be sure to ask around for a reputable company which will guarantee you will be free of them for xxx years.

Good luck.

Re: Termites already!!
 

Discovered myself, called the builder in who built the extension as I noticed the wood was "cracking". Touched the wood, it crumbled to reveal millions of white ants. Only built 8 months ago so I would have thought all the barriers laid by those guys should have prevented this happening. Does anyone know if there is a gurantee when you get new barriers laid?

No insurance? Damn!

Andrew

Re: Termites already!!
 

Forget barrier systems - termites can get around them. Stuff like Termidor is highly effective. That and regular inspections are the only way to go I reckon.

Re: Termites already!!
 

Hi Andrew,

If you get no joy from your builder, ask for the name of the product they used as the barrier. That way you can do a little research to find out what the manufacturer claims the product can do.
Most manufacturers will give some kind of guarantee with their product, thats why builders choose one over another...... and if they dont have any kind of guarantee, then the blame lays entirely with your builders (and the mites of course!!), and they should make good the problem. You have the law on your side with this one!

Hope this helps.
Dan

Re: Termites already!!
 

Dan
Hope the law is on my side as you say.
The builder has not yet given me any certs due to an issue with the plumber - but that's another story. he has looked at the termiotes and can't belive the infestation on such a new property. The extension did have Kordon and a retic system by a very reputable (and expensive) termite barrier company and he will be in contact with them.
Meanhwile, I will be onto BSA also as their policy seems to cover defective workmanship - which obviously occurred otherwsie this wouldn't have happened.

The noise of the termites now is extremely noticeable now that we have disturbed them. Bizarre how they eat the wood away and just leave the layer of paint.

Andrew

Re: Termites already!!
 

This might be useful -


http://www.complaintline.com.au

Good luck

Re: Termites already!!
 

You should first contact the builder who built the extension and try to resolve the problem with him. The BSA will do nothing unless you have already approached him and have been unable to make any inroads with him.
Telephone him in the first instance and without blaming him or ranting and raving explain the problem and ask him to call and see you asap. If he's a reputable bloke he will come over and take a look. Follow up your call with a letter stating the problem and if you have no joy with that the BSA will then take on your case.
Good luck.
Try reading the BSA's website http://www.bsa.qld.gov.au/Home/Default.htm
If you can read the stupidly small text it will explain most of the above better than I have ;)

Re: Termites already!!
 

Have you found the entry point?? Firstly make sure that you had nothing up against the building that could have breached the termite barrier(bit late now mind u). for example wooden fencing touching the house, trees or plants tounchibg the house....there should be a clear area ALL round the place so as the little bastards cant breach the barrier........Termites dont like the sunlight thats why they eat all the insides of the wood leaving then covered....its also why they build the mud tunnels to keep them in the dark....this is why with a monthly inspection, and a clearway round the house you can detect the little shits ASAP.......all of this should have been explained to you by the installer or the builder. We got Termimesh and even got a DVD to watch about how to inspect the property etc. Good Luck with the critters

Re: Termites already!!
 

I was working for a company who did protection here in Melbourne, what they do is lay an irrigation pipe around the house and pump it with chemicals every three years and they guarantee no termites.

The company is called termguard.

Re: Termites already!!
 

And of course get the facts and complaint in writing straight away, if you haven't already. Time is of the essence.

Re: Termites already!!
 

Thanks for your responses.
Termites discovered on Monday 1st May whilst builder was present.
Searched the perimeter and roofspace - no entry points at all can't figure out how they have got in. There is a 0.5 m stone path around the complete house, no fences or trees touching.
Builder has organised exterminator/inspector for Wednesday at 07:30.

Builder is contacting sub-contractors used to lay Kordon and retic system.
Builder said he will repair and normally home insurance pays. Builder said paying the exterminator is not his role.

House insurance does not cover (very few do apparently!)

Spoke to BSA and they say as long as if the infestation can be proven to have entered via the extension (easily done!), then the fault lays with the builder for defective workmanship - even if it is due to his subcontractors and he is liable for the complete remedy. The builder can take it up with the subcontractor. BSA told me to write to the builder and demand rectification within 14 days and if he does not comply, they will take over. They will inspect and if the fault is as above, their insurance will cover. They do recommend pest control immediately and suggest I pay for if the builder won't to save time and pursue the builder for the money at a later date.

All sounds straight forward enough - as long as the builder agrees!!! I will speak to him tomorrow after the pest control.

Spoke to an independent builder contractor and they tell me that the anti-termite barriers etc usually have a 10-year guarantee with a disclaimer that they need inspection and treatment once a year by one of tehri authorised subcontractors. This situation of breach within a few months should be covered by them. The termite Company used are one of the majors who focus more now on commercial rather than domestic so they should do the right thing. I am sure that they have cash to cover this and don't want negative publicity if worst comes to worst.

Ah well.
Andrew

Re: Termites already!!
 

It may sound obvious, but termites can get through gaps of 1mm etc. Water or moisture could have wetted the agent down and made it ineffective; do you have sources of moisture anywhere - a dripping tap etc, bush, plumbing - you mention the reticulation - a leak? They love MOISTURE - they will build another sub-nest by it if it is that great a source. I wouldn't trust these new 'barrier' systems - termites can detect the repellant nature and go around. Termidor incidentally is good as it is slow working and they take it back to the nest where it kills it. They can not detect it, and you don't need complete coverage, they only have to walk through it and they'll get it on themselves and their grooming transfers it on elsewhere to the colony.

They are subterrean and could have tunnelled under anything...most companies now talk in terms of management not eradication(!) The ones where you trap them in little viewing traps only show that guess what, all gardens in Australia have termites. They just feed the industry to an extent.