glossary Glossary 2 min read

Termite reticulation system

A termite reticulation system is perforated pipes under the slab perimeter, letting termiticide be re-injected from outside when chemical life expires. No trenching.

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A termite reticulation system is a network of perforated pipes installed around the slab perimeter before the pour through which a soil termiticide can be re-injected from outside the building when the chemical’s protection period expires. It is the alternative to re-trenching every 8 to 10 years to refresh the chemical barrier. Used with non-repellent termite actives, most commonly fipronil or imidacloprid, where the transfer-effect protection depends on a fresh chemical zone.

Why builders fit one

Chemical barriers have a finite life: bifenthrin about 10 years, fipronil about 8. After that the owner faces three choices:

  1. Re-trench and re-treat. Expensive, disruptive, often blocked by post-build landscaping.
  2. Switch to a physical barrier. Major work.
  3. Pre-installed reticulation. Pest tech recharges through the existing inlets. No digging.

The reticulation pays for itself the first time it’s recharged 10 to 15 years later.

Install

  • Perforated PE or PVC pipes in the slab perimeter footing trench, before pour.
  • Inlet manifolds brought up at external corners and door thresholds.
  • Certified design by a pest tech under AS 3660.1.

For a builder

  • Book the pest installer into the slab program early. Pipes go in pre-pour; missed window = re-trench at recharge.
  • Mark and protect the inlets. Note on the durable notice and as-built.
  • Cost it as a premium. Add now, save much more at recharge.

Category: Termite management.

See also


Last updated: 2026-05-29. Verified: 2026-05-29. Quarterly review for currency.