What's different in Kellyville
Barriers are detection, not protection
The Hills Shire Council says barrier systems aren't termite prevention systems. They're early detection systems, and their effectiveness depends on regular inspection and maintenance every 6 to 12 months, or more often in high risk areas.
Gardens can undo them
Council says landscaping around the home shouldn't compromise a barrier, and that inspection zones expose concealed termite activity. New paving, a raised garden bed or a pile of mulch against the wall can hide what the inspector needs to see.
Creek corridors
NSW Planning's 2017 report on the Kellyville Station Precinct refers to the Elizabeth Macarthur Creek and Caddies Creek corridors. Council lists Platypus Bushcare at Kellyville and the Tree Frog group at North Kellyville, so there's native wildlife along those lines too.
More homes coming
NSW Planning says the Kellyville and Bella Vista precincts have capacity for 4,600 new homes, with the rezoning in effect from 27 November 2024. More apartments mean more strata questions about pests in common areas.
Building and pest inspection in Kellyville
A building inspection and a timber pest inspection are different professions, so you'll usually book both. NSW Government advice says most consultants want at least 2 to 3 days' notice, and to choose someone with adequate insurance, particularly professional indemnity.
A seller's report can help, but it isn't a replacement for your own. In NSW the cooling-off period ends at 5pm on the fifth business day after exchange, and pulling out in that window forfeits 0.25% of the purchase price. There's no cooling-off at auction, so have your reports done before bidding.
Find out where your termite cover stands
- Look in the meter box for a durable notice showing the termite system and its installation date.
- Check the date of your last inspection, and book one if it's been more than 12 months.
- Keep the slab edge and weep holes clear of soil, mulch and pavers.
- Spotted mud tubes or chewed timber? Leave them untouched, so the inspector can see them active.
Other things Kellyville asks about
Rats and mice, possums and spiders are the usual calls after termites. Possums are protected, so proofing the roof comes first, and a catch and release licence is needed for anything more. If a nest of wasps turns up in the ground or a wall, keep the kids and dog clear of it.
What we'd do about pests in Kellyville
Read the meter box notice this weekend, then book the inspection it recommends. It's a small job that keeps a barrier doing its work. If you need an inspector, tell us 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.
