The Hidden Threat Beneath Brisbane Homes
If you own a property in Brisbane—whether it’s your forever home, an investment property, or a commercial building—there’s a silent threat lurking beneath your feet: termites.
They don’t make noise. They don’t give you a warning. And by the time you notice them, they’ve often caused damage worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Here’s the truth: the right termite protection is not “one size fits all.”
The effectiveness of any termite barrier depends heavily on two things:
The soil type beneath your property
The building type and construction design
If these aren’t considered when planning your termite protection, you risk wasting money on a barrier that doesn’t fully protect your home or building.
The Problem Most Property Owners Face
Many Brisbane property owners feel overwhelmed by the choices when it comes to termite protection. They struggle with questions like:
How does my soil type affect termite risk?
Does my building design make barrier installation harder?
Should I choose a chemical barrier, a physical barrier, or both?
Which installer can I trust to get it right the first time?
Unfortunately, this confusion often leads to delaying action—and in Brisbane’s termite-prone climate, that’s a costly mistake. Termites don’t wait for you to decide.
What’s at Stake if You Do Nothing
If you ignore soil type and building design when planning termite protection, you may end up with:
Structural damage — Termites eat silently from the inside out, weakening timbers until floors sag, doors jam, and roofs lose stability.
Property value loss — Buyers are wary of termite history, and even a minor past infestation can reduce your sale price.
Ongoing infestations — An ill-suited barrier leaves gaps termites can exploit.
No insurance cover — In Australia, most home insurance policies do not cover termite damage.
Termites in Brisbane don’t take breaks. Without tailored protection, your property is always at risk.
Meet Mike Brewer – Your Termite Protection Guide
Mike Brewer is the founder of Termite Guys Brisbane, based in Manly West and serving homeowners, property managers, and investors across the city. With over a decade of experience, Mike understands that Brisbane’s termite problem isn’t just about the pests—it’s about the unique combination of soil conditions, building styles, and local climate.
Mike’s approach is simple:
Listen to your concerns.
Inspect your property thoroughly.
Create a custom protection plan based on soil and building type.
Install the right barrier, the right way, the first time.
By following his guidance, clients move from uncertainty to confidence—knowing their property is protected with a system designed specifically for their conditions.
Why Soil Type Matters in Termite Protection
Soil isn’t just dirt—it’s the environment termites live and travel in. Different soils affect termite behaviour, barrier performance, and installation requirements.
1. Sandy Soils
Risk: Fast-draining, making moisture control easier—but termites can tunnel quickly through loose sand.
Barrier impact: Chemical barriers may need higher volumes to ensure full saturation. Physical barriers require careful compaction to avoid settlement gaps.
2. Clay Soils
Risk: Moisture-retentive, creating a damp, termite-friendly environment.
Barrier impact: Chemicals can bind more tightly in clay, affecting spread. Deep trenching and precise dosing are critical.
3. Loam Soils
Risk: Balanced moisture retention and drainage—favourable to termites if food sources are nearby.
Barrier impact: Works well with both physical and chemical systems, but still needs proper depth and perimeter coverage.
4. Reactive Soils
Risk: Expand and contract with moisture changes, sometimes breaking physical barriers over time.
Barrier impact: Installation must allow for soil movement without creating termite entry points.
How Building Type Shapes Your Barrier Choice
Your home or building design determines where and how a barrier can be installed.
Slab-on-Ground Homes
Challenge: Limited access under the slab means barriers must be installed at the perimeter or during construction.
Best fit: Physical sheet barriers during builds; perimeter chemical treatments for existing homes.
Homes with Subfloors
Challenge: Multiple entry points via piers, stumps, or foundations.
Best fit: Combination of chemical trenching and physical collars around service penetrations.
Split-Level or Sloping Block Homes
Challenge: Uneven foundations, varying soil depths, and retaining walls create multiple potential access points.
Best fit: Tailored multi-zone barrier systems with both physical and chemical components.
Commercial and Multi-Unit Buildings
Challenge: Large footprints, multiple penetrations, and strict compliance standards.
Best fit: Stainless steel mesh or polymer sheeting in high-risk zones, combined with targeted chemical perimeter treatments.
The Two Main Types of Termite Barriers
Chemical Barriers
How they work: Non-repellent termiticides (like Termidor or Premise) are applied to soil around the building. Termites pass through the treated soil and transfer the chemical to others in the colony.
Lifespan: 5–10 years (with maintenance).
Best for: Retrofitting around existing buildings or combining with physical barriers for layered protection.
Physical Barriers
How they work: Stainless steel mesh, graded stone, or termite-resistant membranes are installed to physically block termites from entry points.
Lifespan: 30+ years when installed correctly.
Best for: New builds, major renovations, or where long-term, chemical-free protection is preferred.
The Termite Guys Brisbane 3-Step Plan
Discovery Call
Call 07-3393-3515 or visit termiteguys.com.au to discuss your property and concerns.Onsite Inspection & Custom Plan
Mike assesses your soil type, building design, and current termite risk to create a tailored solution.Professional Installation & Warranty
Your barrier is installed by licensed experts, with full warranty documentation for peace of mind.
Answering Common Concerns
“My home is already built—can I still get a barrier?”
Yes. Chemical barriers and some physical barriers can be retrofitted.“Will this disrupt my garden?”
Work is done with minimal disturbance, and landscaping is restored.“What if soil movement affects the barrier?”
Mike schedules follow-up inspections to maintain integrity.
Why Choose Termite Guys Brisbane
Local Expertise – Deep knowledge of Brisbane’s soils and building styles.
Custom Solutions – No cookie-cutter fixes—every plan is unique.
Proven Products – Only top-grade, Australian-standard barrier systems.
Clear Communication – You’ll always know what’s being done, why, and how.
Your Transformation: From Worry to Confidence
Before:
Unsure if your property is at risk.
Confused about which barrier works best.
Concerned about unexpected repair costs.
After:
Confident your property is protected.
A clear plan backed by a warranty.
Peace of mind knowing your investment is secure.
Take Action Now
Every month without a soil-and-building-specific barrier is another month termites could be tunnelling closer.
📞 Call Mike Brewer on 07-3393-3515
🌐 Visit termiteguys.com.au
Get a termite protection plan designed for your property’s soil type and building design—before it’s too late.
