Best Termiticides Used by Professionals in Australia
With many parts of Australia at risk from termites, keeping them under control has become a specialised task. Pest control professionals have specific products and techniques that keep termites at bay safely and for the long-term. Below are the top 5 termiticides and systems that dominate the market and come highly recommended by Australian professionals.
1. Fipronil (Termidor)
One of the most widely used soil barrier termiticide ingredients in Australia is Fipronil. Products such as Termidor contain this non-repellent phenylpyrazole insecticide, which is undetectable by termites. When they enter the treated zone, these pests collect lethal doses, which they then transfer to the rest of the colony through contact and grooming. Fipronil (Termidor) is endorsed by professionals as it offers long residual protection and can be used in both pre- and post-construction soil treatments.
Why pros like it: Colony transfer and elimination are made simple due to the non-repellency. It has a long-life span in many soils and is widely tested.
What to consider: It should only be applied by licensed applicators, who must follow the label and Australian Standard AS3660 procedures.
2. Imidacloprid (Premise)
Imidacloprid is another non-repellent soil termiticide used by professionals across Australia. An active ingredient in Premise 200 SC, imidacloprid, acts in the same way as fipronil. It creates invisible treated zones that termites cannot detect. As they forage, they pick it up and take it back to the colony, causing mortality over time. Premise has been extensively trialled in Australia and is commonly used by accredited termite technicians.
Why pros like it: It has a proven field track record and is effective even with low application rates.
What to consider: Technicians must be mindful of the product they use, as different active ingredients behave differently with certain soils and climates.
3. Pyrethroids (Bifenthrin)
Bifenthrin is a pyrethroid-based termiticide that is used to treat buildings and structures. Pyrethroid is a residual contact insecticide that often acts as a repellent at certain concentrations. This can create defensive barriers, but when it comes to colony elimination, it is not as effective as a non-repellent. Bifenthrin products are available to professionals across Australia.
Why pros like it: It produces strong residual activity in some soils and can be used for both external and timber treatments.
What to consider: Repellency may cause termites to locate other entry points rather than eliminating them.
4. Baiting Systems (Sentricon & Exterra)
Baiting systems are used as they attack the colony rather than just creating a barrier. In Australia, the two main ones are Sentricon and Exterra. These systems use insect growth regulators or chitin-synthesis inhibitors to prevent termites from moulting, so that eventually the workers will die, collapsing the colony. This form of termite pest control is slower but focuses on the colony and is often used if it's not practical to perform soil treatments.
Why pros like them: They make it possible to eliminate the colony — including the queen — without exposing people and pets to chemicals.
What to consider: Baiting takes time and patience. It can take several months for a colony to be fully eliminated, and it can be more expensive in some scenarios.
5. Other Professional Systems and Active Ingredients
There are several professional termiticide formulations and bait chemistries that are used by licensed operators in Australia. Exterra's products with chitin-inhibiting actives like chlorfluazuron, and a wide range of professional-grade label formulations are just a couple of examples. These will come with labels and technical manuals to ensure professionals use them safely and correctly.
Choose a Treatment That Works for You
Not any pesticide can work on an infestation. Products need to be selected based on the following: soil type and drainage, termite species, construction type (slab, stumps, suspended floor), surrounding vegetation, access limitations, and the desire for immediate knockdown versus colony elimination.
Most licensed pest managers will combine termite treatments — for example, creating a soil barrier with a non-repellent termiticide perimeter alongside targeted baits where activity has been detected.
Exterminate Termites Safely
The best termiticide in Australia will be registered and labelled under the APVMA framework. All professional products should have labels that display the legal directions for dilution, application method, PPE and re-entry periods. The length of effectiveness will vary, depending on the product used and the condition of the site.
Some termiticides provide protection for multiple years when correctly applied, whereas baits require ongoing monitoring. As a homeowner, be sure to receive a written quote from your termite pest control technician that outlines the product(s) they will use, and that they are complying with Australian Standard AS3660.
What You Should Ask Your Termite Professional
When contacting a technician, be sure to ask the following questions: Which active ingredient or system do you recommend and why? Will you be following AS3660? What guarantees or inspections are included? What safety and environmental measures will you take during the application?
Managing termites effectively requires a functioning product, correct application technique and ongoing monitoring.
Call Dentec Pest Management Today
If you want to protect your home or business from termites, choose a team that understands how serious the threat can be. Dentec Pest Management are the pest control experts who eliminate infestations quickly and prevent them from coming back. We don't just treat the symptoms — we target the source to keep your property safe for the long term.
If you've spotted signs of termite activity , contact us today on 02 6887 2825 or complete our online form and we'll provide a reliable, thorough and effective service to give you peace of mind.
