Trialling of ways to control white ants without organochlorines

28/5/96

Homeswest is trialling five new methods of controlling white ants to find suitable measures to replace organochlorines, Housing Minister Graham Kierath announced.

In a speech to the Master Builders' Association and exhibitors at the Home Base Expo this morning, Mr Kierath said organochlorines had been phased out and there had been a lack of local studies to compare the success of different treatments.

"Homeswest will try five different treatment methods in 285 of its properties it has built in the metropolitan and country areas," he said.

"It will use a number of methods including various physical barriers, using an exposed edge of the concrete slab as a barrier, using termite-proof materials and approved, environmentally-friendly chemicals.

"With the removal of organochlorines that have formed the basis of termite control for many years, the spotlight is now back on the need for regular inspection and monitoring to detect termite damage."

Mr Kierath said it was important that the termite problem was dealt with quickly to allay fears by the building industry that it may be liable for future liability problems from the use of chemical spraying.

Future liability is a concern to the industry after a High Court decision over a builder's liability to subsequent owners of a home where damage is attributed to some negligence by the builder.

The Law Reform Commission was examining legislation that would limit liability for a range of professions and trades to a maximum of 15 years after the event.

"This legislation was important to protect the industry's future viability and allay fears that builders may be liable indefinitely for their work," Mr Kierath said.

Media contact: Steve Manchee 481 2133