When considering termite risk management, there exists a need to close the gap between perceived and actual risk. There is also a need to create a framework that will improve the industry's overall ability to manage the risk of attack. The basic concept is that the level of termite protection should match the level of site risk. Concepts such as "whole-of-house protection" and "integrated pest management" go some way towards meeting technical aspects of this debate. Even so, there is a concurrent need to focus on the people making the decisions as well.
The objectives of this review are to:
• understand the actual risk of termite attack on dwellings;
• identify risk points during the life cycle of a house;
• find out about different perspectives from those involved;
• find-out information that all parties - especially homeowners - need to know about managing termite risk.
The risk of termite attack is different for outside property as opposed to inside the house. Tyrrell's (1992) data from building consultants limits most termite damage to fences and landscaping structures.
Irrespective of the previous indicators of termite risk, risk management can be viewed as a decision making process involving multiple parties. Definition of the decision making process helps identify when different people are involved, their level of technical knowledge, who they talk to and what types of technical solutions apply.
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