5 June 2009

Borers may leave $2.4 Billion Dinner Bill to Western Australia Home Owners

Borers may leave Western Australian Home Owners an estimated $2.4 billion dinner bill if a government strategy to contain European House Borers fails according to Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects.


Brad Cook

Brad Cook, Western Australia State Manager of Archicentre said, 'European House Borers have been identified as one of the most destructive pests of seasoned softwood timbers - untreated pine.

"Areas with homes being eaten include the Perth Hills and Gnangara / Ellenbrook districts with other surrounding areas currently under surveillance."

"Primary reason for further infestation is typically through human movement - transportation of infected pine and pine products - i.e. firewood, furniture, timber for construction, and the Western Australian Government has prescribed management zones around known EHB affected areas.*

Mr Cook said pre-purchase home inspection statistics compiled by Archicentre have found that 35% of all homes sold have some form of borer, termite, dry rot, or timber fungus problem.

Archicentre's research from the borer and pest inspection service shows that the termite problem alone affects 5% of West Australian homes at an average cost of $7000 per house.

Mr Cook said that many home owners are unwittingly inviting borers to eat their homes by:
  •  Stacking firewood against or under the house.
  •  Storing building materials on the ground under their home.
  •  Allowing poor drainage to leave damp conditions under the floor areas.
  •  Blocking sub-floor air vents leading to damp breeding conditions.
  •  Stacking sleepers and earth against the walls of the home.
  •  Installing rainwater tanks and hot water systems in breach of pest barrier, creating damp conditions conducive to borer infestation. Tanks need to have at least a 75ml gap from the house.
  •  Not specifying sarking (foil backed insulation under roof covering) in the building contract which allows borers to enter the roof space - especially tiled roofs.
  •  Not specifying treated timber roof/wall/floor framing in structure of home.

    "Borers can be a silent destroyer with the first indication of a problem being when the vacuum cleaner head hits the skirting board which turns into dust.

    Archicentre has free consumer information on its website at http://www.archicentre.com.au/html/pestinspections.html

    * Government of Western Australia Department of Agriculture and Food 2009, European House Borer, viewed 6th June 2009 http://www.ehb.wa.gov.au

    • www.archicentre.com.au

    Media Enquiries:
    Brad Cook, West Australian State Manager Archicentre (08) 9389 6200 Mobile: 0400 037 094
    Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Archicentre (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201