Termite Defense: Design, Materials, and Ongoing Maintenance

Build a home that's tough on pests from slab to soffit.

If you're building a new home in Queensland, there's one uninvited guest you definitely don't want at your housewarming party: termites.

These tiny timber-munching terrors cause millions of dollars in damage across Australia every year, and Queensland's warm, humid climate makes it prime real estate for these destructive pests. But here's the good news—with the right design choices, quality materials, and a solid maintenance plan, you can build a fortress that keeps termites at bay for decades to come.

Whether you're in the planning stages of your dream home or you're already breaking ground, understanding termite defense isn't just smart—it's essential. From the moment your slab is poured to the final touches on your soffit, every decision you make can either invite termites in or keep them firmly outside where they belong. Let's dive into the world of termite protection and explore how you can safeguard your investment from the ground up.

Understanding the Termite Threat in Queensland

Before we talk about defense strategies, it's worth understanding exactly what we're up against. Queensland is home to several termite species, with subterranean termites being the most common and destructive. These industrious insects live in underground colonies that can number in the millions, and they're constantly on the hunt for their favorite food: cellulose, which is found in timber, paper, and even some insulation materials.

What makes termites particularly insidious is their stealth. Unlike other pests that announce their presence, termites work silently within walls, floors, and roof spaces, often causing significant structural damage before homeowners even realize there's a problem. By the time you spot the telltale signs—hollow-sounding timber, mud tubes on walls, or discarded wings near windows—the damage may already be extensive.

The subtropical climate from Brisbane to the Gold Coast creates perfect conditions for termite activity year-round. High humidity, warm temperatures, and seasonal rainfall all contribute to thriving termite populations. This means that termite protection isn't optional in Queensland—it's an absolute necessity that should be built into every new home from the very beginning.

Physical Barriers: Your First Line of Defense

When it comes to termite protection in Queensland, physical barriers are one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions available. These barriers work by creating an impenetrable shield between the ground and your home's timber frame, forcing termites to build visible mud tubes over the barrier if they want to access your home—making detection much easier during inspections.

Stainless Steel Mesh Barriers

Stainless steel mesh barriers are considered the gold standard in physical termite protection. These barriers consist of a finely woven stainless steel mesh with apertures so small (typically 0.66mm or less) that termites simply cannot squeeze through. The mesh is installed around the entire perimeter of your home during construction, creating a continuous protective envelope from the slab edge up through penetrations and joins.

The beauty of stainless steel mesh is its durability and longevity. Unlike chemical barriers that can break down over time, a properly installed mesh barrier can last the lifetime of your home without degradation. It's completely non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and requires no reapplication or top-ups. The mesh is flexible enough to conform to complex building shapes and can be installed around pipes, cables, and other penetrations that might otherwise create vulnerable entry points.

Installation requires precision and expertise. The mesh must be installed with no gaps or tears, and all joins must be properly sealed and overlapped according to manufacturer specifications. At critical junction points—where the slab meets the wall frame, around plumbing penetrations, and at expansion joints—special attention must be paid to ensure complete coverage. This is where working with experienced builders who understand termite protection becomes invaluable.

Graded Stone Barriers

Graded stone barriers offer another physical barrier option, particularly effective in certain soil conditions. This system uses specially graded basalt or granite particles of a specific size (typically between 2.36mm and 6.7mm) that are too large for termites to move but too small for them to build tunnels through. The stone is laid in a continuous band around the building perimeter to a specified depth and width.

The advantage of graded stone barriers is their simplicity and permanence. There are no chemicals to break down and no materials to corrode. The stone creates a physical obstacle that termites cannot overcome, forcing them to build visible mud tubes over the top if they attempt to reach your home. This makes detection during regular inspections straightforward.

However, graded stone barriers do have some limitations. They require careful installation to maintain the correct particle size distribution—if soil or smaller particles contaminate the stone layer, it can compromise effectiveness. They also need adequate depth and width to be effective, which can be challenging in tight building sites or where landscaping is planned close to the home. Additionally, any penetrations through the barrier (for pipes, cables, or posts) must be carefully detailed to maintain protection.

Combination Approaches

Many modern homes in Brisbane and the Gold Coast use a combination approach, incorporating both physical and chemical barriers for maximum protection. For example, a stainless steel mesh might be used around the main perimeter and at critical penetration points, while a chemical treatment zone is established in garden beds or areas where landscaping will be installed close to the home.

This layered defense strategy recognizes that no single system is perfect, and that termites are persistent and opportunistic. By creating multiple obstacles, you significantly reduce the likelihood of infestation and increase the chances of early detection if termites do attempt to breach your defenses.

Chemical Barriers: The Treated Zone Approach

While physical barriers create a mechanical obstacle, chemical barriers work by establishing a treated zone in the soil around and beneath your home. When termites encounter this treated soil, they either die or are repelled, preventing them from reaching your home's timber frame.

Termiticide Treatments

Modern termiticides are far more sophisticated than the harsh chemicals of decades past. Today's products are specifically designed to be effective against termites while having minimal environmental impact. They work in several ways: some are repellent, causing termites to avoid the treated area entirely, while others are non-repellent, allowing termites to pass through the treated zone and carry the chemical back to their colony, eventually eliminating the entire nest.

Termiticide barriers are typically applied during construction, either to the soil beneath the slab before it's poured, around the perimeter after the slab is in place, or both. The chemical creates a continuous treated zone that termites cannot cross without exposure. When properly applied by licensed pest control professionals, these barriers can provide effective protection for several years.

However, chemical barriers do have some important considerations. They have a limited lifespan—typically between five and eight years depending on the product, soil type, and environmental conditions. After this period, the chemical breaks down and the barrier loses effectiveness, requiring reapplication. Soil disturbance from landscaping, excavation for pools or extensions, or even heavy rainfall can create gaps in the barrier. Additionally, any penetrations through the slab (pipes, cables, posts) must be treated separately to maintain complete protection.

Reticulation Systems

For homeowners who want the benefits of chemical protection with easier maintenance, reticulation systems offer an innovative solution. These systems consist of a network of pipes installed in the soil around your home's perimeter during construction. The pipes have small holes that allow termiticide to be released into the surrounding soil.

The advantage of a reticulation system is that it can be recharged without excavation. When it's time to renew the chemical barrier, a pest control professional simply connects to access points and pumps fresh termiticide through the system, replenishing the treated zone without digging up your landscaping or disturbing your home. This makes ongoing maintenance much simpler and less disruptive.

Reticulation systems are particularly useful in situations where future access for reapplication might be difficult—under concrete paths, beneath established garden beds, or in tight spaces between buildings. They provide peace of mind that your chemical barrier can be maintained effectively throughout your home's life.

The Homes by Markon Difference: BlueScope Steel Framing

At Homes by Markon, we take termite infestation seriously—extremely seriously. That's why we've made a fundamental decision that sets us apart from many other builders: we ONLY recommend and USE BlueScope steel frames in our homes. Not timber. Not treated pine. Steel.

This isn't just about termite protection, though that's certainly a major factor. It's about building homes that will stand strong for generations, homes that won't be compromised by pests, and homes that give our clients absolute peace of mind.

Why BlueScope Steel Frames Are Superior

BlueScope steel framing eliminates the primary food source that attracts termites to your home. While timber frames—even treated ones—remain vulnerable to termite attack under the right conditions, steel frames are completely termite-proof. Termites simply cannot eat steel, cannot damage it, and won't even attempt to attack it. This removes the single biggest risk factor in termite damage: structural frame compromise.

But the benefits of BlueScope steel framing extend well beyond termite protection:

Dimensional Stability: Steel doesn't warp, twist, shrink, or expand with moisture changes the way timber does. This means your walls stay straight, your doors and windows continue to operate smoothly, and you won't experience the nail pops, cracks, and settling issues common in timber-framed homes. In Queensland's humid climate with its seasonal variations, this stability is invaluable.

Fire Resistance: BlueScope steel is non-combustible, providing superior fire resistance compared to timber framing. In bushfire-prone areas or for homeowners who simply want the added safety of fire-resistant construction, steel framing offers significant advantages.

Durability and Longevity: Steel frames don't rot, don't suffer from fungal decay, and aren't affected by moisture in the way timber is. This means your home's structural integrity remains intact for decades, with minimal maintenance required. The galvanized coating on BlueScope steel provides excellent corrosion resistance, even in coastal environments.

Precision Engineering: Steel frames are manufactured in controlled factory conditions to exact specifications. This precision translates to better-fitting components, straighter walls, and overall higher quality construction. There's no variation in quality from one piece to another, unlike timber which can have knots, splits, or other natural defects.

Sustainability: BlueScope steel is 100% recyclable and often contains significant recycled content. At the end of your home's life (many decades from now), the steel frame can be completely recycled rather than ending up in landfill. For environmentally conscious homeowners, this is an important consideration.

Consistent Strength: Every steel frame member has consistent, predictable strength characteristics. There's no variation due to grain direction, moisture content, or natural defects. This allows for more efficient structural design and greater confidence in your home's structural performance.

Our Commitment to Steel Framing

When we say we ONLY use BlueScope steel frames, we mean it. This isn't an optional upgrade or a premium feature—it's standard in every Homes by Markon build. We've seen too many homes damaged by termites, too many families facing expensive repairs and structural concerns, to compromise on this fundamental aspect of construction.

Yes, steel framing requires specialized installation techniques. Yes, it requires builders who understand how to work with steel and how to detail connections properly. That's exactly the expertise we bring to every project. Our team is trained and experienced in steel frame construction, ensuring your home is built to the highest standards.

Combined with comprehensive termite barriers around your slab perimeter and at all penetration points, BlueScope steel framing creates a home that's virtually impervious to termite damage. While non-structural timber elements—flooring, skirting boards, cabinetry—still require protection and monitoring, your home's structural frame is completely safe from termite attack.

This is the level of protection and quality that The Markon Group is committed to delivering. We don't cut corners, we don't compromise on structural integrity, and we don't take chances with termites. When you build with Homes by Markon, you're building with steel—and building with confidence.

Timber Choices for Non-Structural Elements

While we exclusively use BlueScope steel for structural framing, there are still timber elements in every home—flooring, internal trim, cabinetry, external decking, and more. For these applications, choosing the right timber and protection methods remains important.

Naturally Termite-Resistant Timbers

Some Australian hardwoods have natural properties that make them highly resistant to termite attack. Species like ironbark, spotted gum, tallowwood, and blackbutt contain natural oils and resins that termites find unpalatable. These timbers are classified as "Durability Class 1" or "Durability Class 2" according to Australian Standards, meaning they have high natural resistance to termite attack.

Using naturally resistant timbers for non-structural elements, particularly those in areas where moisture might be present or closer to the ground, adds another layer of protection. Hardwood for external decking and pergolas, hardwood internal flooring, and hardwood trim in wet areas all contribute to a more termite-resistant home overall.

However, it's important to understand that "resistant" doesn't mean "immune." Given enough time and the right conditions, termites can and will attack even the most resistant timbers. Natural resistance should be viewed as part of a comprehensive defense strategy, not a standalone solution. Additionally, naturally resistant hardwoods are typically more expensive than softwoods and treated timbers, which needs to be factored into selections.

Treated Timbers

For non-structural timber applications where naturally resistant hardwoods aren't practical or cost-effective, chemically treated timber offers good protection. Timber treatment involves pressure-impregnating softwood (usually pine) with preservative chemicals that make it toxic or unpalatable to termites.

For termite protection specifically, H2F (H2 with termite resistance) or H3 treated pine is commonly used in Queensland construction for applications like internal trim, external fascias, and other non-structural elements. The treatment penetrates deep into the timber, providing protection that lasts for decades.

The key with treated timber is ensuring it's used appropriately. Cut ends should be treated with a brush-on preservative to maintain protection, and treated timber should not be used in situations beyond its treatment rating. Working with builders who understand these specifications ensures your treated timber provides the protection it's designed for.

Composite and Alternative Materials

Modern building technology has introduced various composite and alternative materials that offer termite resistance. Fiber cement sheeting for external cladding, composite decking materials made from recycled plastics and timber fibers, and engineered wood products with termite-resistant treatments all provide options for reducing the amount of vulnerable timber in your home.

These materials are particularly useful in high-risk areas—external cladding, decking, pergolas, and landscaping structures. By choosing termite-resistant alternatives for these applications, you reduce the attractiveness of your property to termites and minimize potential entry points into your home's structure.

Critical Design Details: Where Termites Find Their Way In

Even with steel framing and the best barriers, termites are opportunistic and will exploit any weakness in your home's defenses. Understanding the critical junction points and design details where termites commonly gain entry allows you to pay special attention to these vulnerable areas during construction.

Slab Edge and Perimeter Details

The junction between your concrete slab and the wall frame is one of the most critical areas for termite protection. This is where your physical or chemical barrier must create a continuous, unbroken shield. Any gap, crack, or penetration at this interface can provide termites with access to non-structural timber elements in your home.

Proper detailing at the slab edge involves several elements. The slab should be poured with a clean, straight edge that allows barrier materials to be installed flush against it. If using stainless steel mesh, it should extend from beneath the slab edge, up and over the top of the slab, and then up behind the wall cladding, creating a continuous envelope. All joins in the mesh must be properly overlapped and sealed.

The slab edge should also be left exposed and visible for at least 75mm above finished ground level. This "inspection zone" allows termite inspectors to see any mud tubes that termites might build over the barrier, providing early warning of termite activity. Unfortunately, many homeowners inadvertently cover this inspection zone with garden beds, mulch, or paving, creating hidden pathways for termites and making inspection impossible.

Penetrations and Service Entry Points

Every pipe, cable, or conduit that penetrates your slab or perimeter wall creates a potential entry point for termites. These penetrations must be carefully detailed and protected to maintain the integrity of your termite barrier.

For physical barriers like stainless steel mesh, special collars and boots are used to seal around penetrations. These components wrap around pipes and cables, connecting to the main barrier system to maintain continuity. For chemical barriers, the soil around penetrations must be thoroughly treated, and in some cases, physical collars or shields are installed as well.

Particular attention should be paid to larger penetrations like sewer pipes, stormwater drains, and electrical conduits. These often pass through the slab at angles or in locations that make barrier installation challenging. Working with experienced builders and pest control professionals ensures these critical details are properly executed.

Subfloor Areas and Ventilation

For homes with suspended timber floors or subfloor areas, proper ventilation and access are crucial for termite management. Subfloor spaces should be well-ventilated to reduce moisture levels (termites are attracted to damp conditions) and should have adequate clearance for inspection.

Australian Standards require minimum clearances between the ground and timber floor members, and these should never be compromised. Subfloor areas should be kept clear of stored materials, vegetation, and debris that could provide concealment for termite activity or harbor moisture. Regular inspection of subfloor areas should be part of your ongoing maintenance routine.

In some cases, subfloor areas may require additional termite protection measures, such as chemical treatment of the soil. The specific requirements depend on your site conditions, soil type, and local termite pressure.

Roof and Upper-Level Considerations

While termites typically enter homes from the ground, they can also gain access through roof spaces and upper levels in certain situations. Termites can build mud tubes up external walls, enter through roof spaces where tree branches touch the building, or even be carried into upper levels in infested timber or furniture.

Proper roof design includes maintaining clearance between vegetation and the building, ensuring roof spaces are well-ventilated and accessible for inspection, and using termite-resistant or treated timbers for roof battens and other non-structural elements in high-risk situations. Soffits and eaves should be detailed to prevent termite entry while still allowing adequate ventilation.

For multi-story homes, the junction between levels requires the same attention to termite protection as the ground floor. Barriers must be continuous through these junctions, and any penetrations for services must be properly sealed and protected.

Inspection Schedules: Your Ongoing Defense Strategy

Even with BlueScope steel framing and the best termite protection systems, regular professional inspections remain essential. While your structural frame is termite-proof, non-structural timber elements, landscaping, and conducive conditions still need monitoring.

Annual Professional Inspections

Australian Standards recommend that all homes in termite-prone areas (which includes all of Queensland) should be professionally inspected for termites at least once every twelve months. In high-risk areas or for properties with previous termite activity, inspections every six months may be advisable.

A professional termite inspection involves a thorough examination of all accessible areas of your home, including subfloor spaces, roof voids, internal rooms, and external perimeter. Inspectors use specialized tools including moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, acoustic detectors, and borescopes to identify termite activity, conducive conditions, and potential vulnerabilities.

The inspection should also assess the condition of your termite barriers and protection systems. Chemical barriers may need reapplication, physical barriers should be checked for damage or gaps, and any changes to the property (new landscaping, renovations, or additions) should be evaluated for their impact on termite protection.

What Inspectors Look For

During a termite inspection, professionals are looking for several key indicators. Active termite workings—mud tubes, damaged timber, or live termites—are the most obvious signs, but inspectors also look for conducive conditions that might attract termites or make your home more vulnerable.

These conducive conditions include moisture problems (leaking taps, poor drainage, rising damp), timber-to-ground contact (garden beds against walls, stored timber, landscaping timbers), concealed entry points (covered slab edges, cladding that extends below ground level), and poor ventilation in subfloor or roof spaces.

A good inspector will not only identify current termite activity but will also provide recommendations for reducing risk factors and improving your home's defenses. This might include suggestions for improving drainage, removing vegetation from around the building perimeter, repairing leaks, or upgrading termite protection systems.

Homeowner Vigilance Between Inspections

While annual professional inspections are essential, homeowners should also maintain vigilance between inspections. Regular visual checks of your home's perimeter, subfloor areas (if accessible), and internal spaces can help identify problems early.

Look for mud tubes on walls or foundations, hollow-sounding timber when tapped (particularly in non-structural elements like skirting boards or door frames), tight-fitting doors or windows (which can indicate timber swelling from termite damage), discarded termite wings near windows or doors (indicating a swarm has occurred), and any visible timber damage or deterioration.

If you notice any of these signs, don't wait for your next scheduled inspection—contact a pest control professional immediately. Early detection can mean the difference between minor treatment and major repairs to non-structural elements.

Maintaining Your Protection Systems

Different termite protection systems have different maintenance requirements. Chemical barriers typically need reapplication every five to eight years, depending on the product used and environmental conditions. Your pest control professional should advise you when reapplication is due.

Physical barriers like stainless steel mesh require less maintenance but should still be inspected regularly to ensure they haven't been damaged by renovations, landscaping, or other activities. Any work that involves excavation near your home's perimeter or penetrations through the slab should be followed by an inspection to ensure barrier integrity hasn't been compromised.

Reticulation systems should be recharged according to the manufacturer's recommendations, typically every five to eight years. The advantage of these systems is that recharging is straightforward and doesn't require excavation, making maintenance easier and less disruptive.

Landscaping and External Factors

The area immediately surrounding your home plays a significant role in termite risk. Thoughtful landscaping and external maintenance can either support your termite defenses or undermine them.

Maintaining the Inspection Zone

As mentioned earlier, keeping the slab edge visible and accessible is crucial for effective termite management. This means maintaining a clear inspection zone of at least 75mm between finished ground level and the bottom of your wall cladding.

Avoid piling mulch, soil, or garden materials against your home's walls. While garden beds against the house might look attractive, they create hidden pathways for termites and make inspection impossible. If you do want garden beds near your home, consider using raised planters with a clear gap between the planter and the wall, or install garden beds at least 300mm away from the building perimeter.

Paving and concrete paths should also be installed with a gap between the paving and the wall, or should be designed so they don't cover the slab edge. If paving must be installed against the house, it should be laid on a sand bed (not mortar) so it can be lifted for inspection if needed.

Vegetation Management

Trees and shrubs planted too close to your home can create problems for termite management. Overhanging branches that touch the roof or walls provide a bridge for termites to bypass ground-level barriers. Dense vegetation against walls creates shade and moisture, making the area more attractive to termites and concealing potential entry points.

Maintain clearance between vegetation and your building—at least one meter is recommended for shrubs, and tree branches should be trimmed back so they don't touch the structure. This not only reduces termite risk but also improves air circulation and reduces moisture around your home.

Be particularly cautious with timber landscaping elements like sleepers, garden edging, and decorative logs. These can harbor termite colonies and provide a food source that attracts termites to your property. If you do use timber in landscaping, keep it well away from your home's structure and consider using treated timber or termite-resistant alternatives.

Moisture Management

Termites are attracted to moisture, so managing water around your home is an important part of termite defense. Ensure your site drainage directs water away from your home's foundations, fix any leaking taps or irrigation systems promptly, and maintain your gutters and downpipes to prevent overflow and water pooling near your walls.

Air conditioning condensate drains should discharge away from the building, not directly onto the ground near your foundations. Hot water system overflow pipes should similarly be directed away from the structure. Any area where water regularly pools or where soil remains damp should be addressed through improved drainage or grading.

Outdoor Structures and Attachments

Decks, pergolas, carports, and other structures attached to your home need appropriate termite protection. These structures should be built using termite-resistant or treated timbers, or better yet, steel framing where practical. Any posts or bearers in contact with the ground should be appropriately treated or protected.

Timber decking is particularly vulnerable to termite attack, especially in the humid Queensland climate. Using naturally resistant hardwoods, treated timber, or composite decking materials can significantly reduce risk. Ensure adequate ventilation beneath decks and keep the area clear of stored materials and debris.

Where possible, we recommend incorporating steel elements into outdoor structures as well—steel posts, steel bearers, and steel framing all contribute to a more termite-resistant property overall.

Pool Fencing Requirements

If your property includes a swimming pool, it's essential to ensure you have appropriate safety fencing in place. All pools must be surrounded by glass fences or government-certified fencing that meets Australian Standards for pool safety. This isn't just about termite protection—it's a legal requirement designed to prevent drowning accidents, particularly involving young children.

Glass pool fencing is an excellent choice that combines safety with aesthetics, providing unobstructed views of your pool area while maintaining the required safety barrier. The frameless or semi-frameless glass panels are supported by stainless steel or aluminum posts, which are naturally termite-proof and require minimal maintenance.

If you opt for traditional pool fencing with timber elements, ensure all timber components are either naturally termite-resistant hardwood or appropriately treated timber rated for ground contact and exposure to weather. Regular inspection of pool fencing should be part of your overall property maintenance routine, checking not just for termite activity but also for structural integrity and compliance with safety standards.

Building with Homes by Markon: Comprehensive Termite Protection

When you're investing in a new home, termite protection shouldn't be an afterthought or an optional extra—it should be built into every aspect of your home's design and construction. At Homes by Markon, we understand the unique challenges of building in Queensland's termite-prone environment, and we incorporate comprehensive termite defense strategies into every home we build.

Our approach to termite protection begins with our non-negotiable commitment to BlueScope steel framing. This fundamental decision eliminates the primary termite risk and provides the foundation for a home that will stand strong for generations. From there, we layer additional protection measures—comprehensive barrier systems, careful attention to critical details, and quality materials throughout.

We work with licensed pest control professionals to ensure barriers are installed correctly and to specification, and we use quality materials that provide long-term protection and durability. Whether you're building in Brisbane, on the Gold Coast, or anywhere across Southeast Queensland, we can guide you through the options for termite protection and help you make informed decisions that balance effectiveness, longevity, and budget.

We also understand that termite protection doesn't end when construction is complete. We provide our homeowners with comprehensive information about maintaining their termite protection systems, conducting regular inspections, and recognizing the early warning signs of termite activity. Our commitment to quality extends beyond handover—we want you to enjoy your home with confidence, knowing it's built to withstand Queensland's toughest pests.

The Long-Term Investment in Protection

When you're building a new home, it's tempting to look for areas where you can trim the budget. Termite protection should never be one of them. The cost of comprehensive termite barriers, quality materials like BlueScope steel framing, and proper installation is a fraction of what you might spend repairing termite damage down the track.

Consider that major termite damage can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair, and in severe cases, can compromise the structural integrity of timber-framed homes. Insurance typically doesn't cover termite damage, meaning you'll be bearing the full cost of repairs. By contrast, investing in quality termite protection during construction—when access is easy and installation is straightforward—is relatively affordable and provides protection for the life of your home.

With BlueScope steel framing, you're eliminating the single biggest termite risk entirely. Your structural frame will never be compromised by termites, never require treatment or replacement due to termite damage, and never give you sleepless nights worrying about what might be happening inside your walls.

Beyond the financial considerations, there's the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is properly protected. You won't panic every time you see a flying insect near your windows. You'll simply enjoy your home, confident that you've taken every reasonable step to protect your investment.

Building Your Termite-Tough Home

Termite defense is not a single decision or a one-time treatment—it's a comprehensive strategy that encompasses design, materials, construction details, and ongoing maintenance. From the moment your slab is poured to the regular inspections you'll conduct throughout your home's life, every element plays a role in keeping termites at bay.

The key is to approach termite protection systematically. Start with the strongest possible foundation—BlueScope steel framing that eliminates structural termite risk entirely. Add comprehensive physical or chemical barriers during construction to protect non-structural elements. Choose your materials wisely, using termite-resistant or treated timbers for flooring, trim, and other applications. Pay attention to the critical details—slab edges, penetrations, and junction points—where termites most commonly find their way in.

Once your home is built, maintain your defenses through regular professional inspections, prompt attention to any conducive conditions, and thoughtful landscaping and external maintenance. Keep your barriers in good condition, maintain the inspection zone around your home's perimeter, and stay vigilant for any signs of termite activity around non-structural timber elements.

Building in Queensland means building with termites in mind. But with the right approach—particularly with steel framing at the core of your construction—you can create a home that's tough on pests from slab to soffit, a home that will stand strong and structurally sound for generations to come.

Your Next Step: Expert Termite Protection

Ready to build a home that's engineered to resist termites from the ground up? The team at Homes by Markon brings decades of experience building in Queensland's challenging conditions, and we know exactly what it takes to create homes that stand the test of time—and termites.

Our exclusive use of BlueScope steel framing means your home's structural integrity is guaranteed against termite damage. Combined with comprehensive barrier systems and expert construction practices, we deliver homes that offer unparalleled protection and peace of mind.

Whether you're just starting to explore your options or you're ready to break ground on your dream home, we'd love to talk with you about incorporating comprehensive termite protection into your build. Our expert team can assess your site, recommend the most appropriate protection systems for your situation, and ensure every detail is executed to the highest standards.



Don't leave your home's protection to chance. Add termite protection to your build with Homes by Markon, and enjoy the confidence that comes from knowing your investment is safeguarded by Queensland's most comprehensive termite defense strategies—starting with steel framing that termites simply cannot touch. Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how we can help you build a home that's truly built to last.