Kordon is a flexible laminate that is installed in a building during construction to prevent concealed access by subterranean termites. Kordon also contains deltamethrin which is highly repellent to termites.

Subterranean termites (termites) are social insects that live in a colony like bees and ants. Typically, they form a nest in the soil or near ground level in a stump or tree trunk. They eat cellulose which is found in timber and timber products such as paper.

Attack by termites originates from the nest. Foraging termites will seek cellulose up to 50m or more from their nest. Wood or timber underground is reached by a series of tunnels built by the termite workers.

Timber above ground may be reached inside the timber or via mud walled tubes plastered to exposed surfaces. These tubes are built by the termites to shelter them from the light and maintain humidity.

There are more than 350 species in Australia and about 30 are classified as economically important –they attack timber in buildings.

As well as eating timber, termites damage non-cellulose materials such as soft concrete, soft metal and plastic, building sealants and foam insulation. Cracks in concrete and the gap around pipes penetrating through the concrete slab offer easy access to termites.

Kordon is installed where termites attempt to gain access to the timber in a building. The deltamethrin in Kordon is highly repellent to termites and they will avoid close contact with it. Termites then look for cellulose elsewhere or seek to go around the Kordon.

To avoid Kordon, termites build mud tubes around the barrier which are detected during an inspection by a qualified Timber Pest Inspector. Steps are then taken to eliminate the termite colony before significant damage can be done.

When termites get concealed access, such as when Kordon is not installed, access is gained for a long period resulting in significant and expensive damage.

Kordon has been extensively tested by the CSIRO and has been evaluated to have a durability and design life in excess of 50 years. This represents the life expectancy of a building as deemed by Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).

Generally, the answer is no but in certain circumstances, during a post construction termite treatment, the termite professional may elect to include Kordon in their treatment schedule. They are the best person to make this decision.