What's going on in Pakenham
A big new precinct
The Pakenham East Precinct Structure Plan covers 630 hectares bounded by the Princes Freeway, Ryan Road and Deep Creek. It was gazetted on 21 January 2021, and it sets where the next streets and homes go.
Creeks being re-mapped
Melbourne Water is updating flood maps for Cardinia, Toomuc, Deep and Ararat creeks across Cardinia Shire. Damp ground matters for termites: Western Australia's Building and Energy says to fix plumbing, drainage and roof leaks quickly because damp conditions attract them.
Council pages we couldn't confirm
Pakenham is in Cardinia Shire. We couldn't read the Shire's own pest, wasp or termite pages for this guide, so this page sticks to Victorian rules and what holds anywhere.
A new house still needs a termite plan
In modern buildings, the National Construction Code requires a notice of the termite management system installed, usually inside the meter box. Photograph it and keep it with the house papers. It tells a termite inspector what went in and what upkeep it needs.
Protection under the structure doesn't cover everything. CSIRO says termites can damage flooring, architraves, furniture and even the paper on plasterboard where the main structure is protected.
First year in a newer Pakenham home
- Find the termite notice in the meter box and keep a photo of it.
- Keep soil, mulch and pavers off the slab edge and clear of weep holes.
- Connect downpipes before the garden goes in, so water runs away from the slab.
- Store leftover timber and packaging off the ground, away from the walls.
- Seal gaps where pipes and cables enter, because cooler weather sends mice looking for shelter indoors.
If we'd just moved to Pakenham
Find the termite notice, keep the slab edge clear and put a termite inspection in the diary. Buying an established home? Get your own pre-purchase inspection rather than relying on the seller's. Already seen something? Send it to us with your postcode.
Want someone to look at it?
Tell us what you've seen and your postcode, and a local pest business that handles exactly that calls you to talk it through.
