What is a Pest Controller?

A Pest Controller is a licensed professional who installs termite and pest protection systems during construction. Their role is to prevent subterranean termite access to the structure by treating vulnerable areas such as pipe penetrations, slabs, and external perimeters.

What does a Pest Controller do?

Your Pest Controller will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, a Pest Controller will:

  • Install pest control collars around slab penetrations (e.g. pipes and conduits)
  • Apply termite slab sprays or reticulation systems after slab curing
  • Provide perimeter protection such as chemical barriers or physical shielding
  • Return for staged work across basement and ground floor slabs
  • Supply compliance certificates and product warranties for approval


Pest control is legally required in many parts of Australia and must be installed in stages as slabs and services progress.

Barry's Toolbox

Pest collars go in before the slab is poured, not after. If your plumber’s already installed pipework, get the Pest Controller locked in fast to avoid costly slab delays.

What Makes a Good Pest Controller?

Look for someone who:

  • Are licensed and accredited to install termite management systems
  • Understand staging across basement and ground floor levels
  • Offer systems that are compliant with NCC and local council requirements
  • Provide warranties and certificates accepted by certifiers
  • Can coordinate install timing with plumbing and concreting teams

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Pest Controllers, you’ll need:

  • Site and slab plans showing all service penetrations
  • Plumbing layout and install dates for under-slab services
  • Structural engineer’s drawings (if collars or barriers are referenced)
  • Construction timeline for basement and ground floor slab pours

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 3–5 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are pest control collars?

    They’re fitted around slab penetrations to stop termite access through service pipe gaps. They’re mandatory in many areas and must be installed before concrete is poured.

  • What is a slab cure treatment?

    It’s a chemical application (usually a spray) applied to the surface of a freshly cured slab to protect against termite ingress through cracks or joints.

  • Do I need perimeter protection too?

    Yes—most builds require both under-slab and perimeter protection. Your Pest Controller will advise what’s needed based on your site and local codes.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.