Treated timber. Getting eaten out!

Treated pine framing used in a subfloor being eaten by termites.

Manufacturers of treated timbers my warrant it against termite attack, however, if you carefully read their terms and conditions, you'll notice that they won't warrant timber that's in ground contact.

http://www.chhwoodproducts.com.au/index.cfm/pageid/157/viewpage/brochures

If you look at the warranty brochure for this treated pine frame, you'll notice that things such as storing the timber on the ground, in high moisture environments or anywhere that can cause fungal decay will void the warranty. So be careful not to rely just on treated timber to prevent termite damage.

By and large, termite treated timbers do work well in resisting termites, but only if they are used in accord with good building practice and the treated timbers manufacturers recommendations.

Keep checking reticulation!

Termite management systems, by and large are effective. However, problems often occur after reticulation systems are installed. Often there are delays in building and hence exposes the reticulation system to damage to other trades being on site. This isn't necessarily always the fault of tradesmen on site, as they are usually not expecting a reticulation system being buried around the perimeter of the building. It's important to have good communication with the builder and tradesmen on site and also to keep a watchful eye on reticulation to ensure its safe after installation. That being said, reticulation is a great termite control method if it's done correctly!

This reticulation system was treated quite unkindly by builders/tradesmen!

This reticulation system has not been considered by tradesmen on site.