Termites or “white ants” are one of the common problematic pests in Singapore, signs of a Termites Infestation should be eradicated immediately.
These pests live mainly in dry wood and dark, humid environments.
Subterranean Termites build their nests in the ground and they come out to find access into buildings and homes in search for food. When there is a need for them to come out into the open, they would build mud trails to allow safe travel from one place to another.
In most situations, tiny cracks and crevices caused by the weather will provide access for termites to penetrate into buildings and your homes.
These pests only need 1/64th of an inch to squeeze through to gain access to your properties in your buildings and homes. Once inside, termites with their excellent instinct for finding cellulose, their main food source will attack anything that is wood-based.
Your built-in kitchen cabinets, bedroom cabinet, wall to wall wooden panel structural beams, doors and furniture will be prone to damage by Termites. They can also cause short circuit to your wiring once they come into contact with some.
Although visible damages done by termites may be gradual, an infestation needs to be dealt with by a professional Pest Control Technician immediately.
These are 7 signs of a Termite Infestation:
1. MUD TUBES
Subterranean Termites build their shelter tubes made out of mud, dirt and debris to travel to and from their food source and nest.
These tubes are pencil sized tunnels wood structures, and concrete or stone foundations. When searching a home for these tubes, there are three types to look for:
Working tube – path between termite nest in soil and wood
Exploratory tube – path extending only from soil
Drop tube – path from wood back to soil
These tubes are found on exterior and interior walls leading up to entry points of your premises.
2. Wood tunnels
Unlike mud tubes, wood tunnels also known as “galleries”, are difficult to spot from the outside. However, these can be spotted within broken wood or timbre infested area.
This is one sure sign that a termite infestation has occurred.
However, technological devices have allowed pest control professionals to detect wood tunnels and termites when there is no visible exterior signs.
These include electronic odour detectors, sounds and infrared detectors.
3. "HEAD BANGING" TERMITES
You must be wondering; what sounds do termites make?
The first common sign is quiet clicking sounds coming from the walls.
Soldier termites bang their heads against the wood or shake their bodies when the colony is disturbed to signal danger.
If you place your ear against your wall or suspected infested wood and listen closely, clicking or “eating” noises can be heard by these unwanted pests.
If these specifiers are undetectable but you can still hear some unusual sounds, contact us for an inspection right away to give you a peace of mind!
4. FLYING TERMITES & DISCARDED WINGS
Typically, the first signs of an infestation are flying termites also known as swarmers or alates and discarded wings.
They come into action when the males and females have left their nest to mate or build a new colony – which could potentially be within your premises.
Some flying termites swarm at night and are commonly attracted to light sources.
Other species swarm in daylight. Drywood termites tend to swarm after rain at specific times of the year.
Flying termites vs. Flying ants
While flying termites closely resemble winged ants, there are clear differences in their appearance.
Ants have a constricted waist, while termites have a more straight-sided waist.
Termites also have four wings of equal size.
Ant antennae bend at 90-degree angles, while the antennae of the termite are straight.
Either way, should you spot these pests within your premises, seek professional pest control advice immediately!
Presence of Discarded Wings
Another common indication is the remnants of discarded wings on windowsills and floors.
Flying termites shed their wings shortly after finding a mate.
5. hollow wood sounds
An infested area that has been eaten away by these pests usually produce a hollow sound once tapped or knocked on.
They consume woods from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of timber or paint.
6. termite droppings (frass)
Termite droppings are often referred to as frass. These are tiny pallets commonly found at the entry points for the termites. These droppings are expelled from their nest from tiny kick holes.
These tiny 6 sided, egg shaped pellets accumulate over time, in a pile below and around the base of the infested wood.
The frass is a lot rougher and harder in texture than the frass of other wood pests like carpenter ants or beetle larvae.
In the event you find a pile of droppings outside or inside your premises, it clearly indicates that there are termites around.
7. termite TREE NESTS
Termites Infestation on your tree??
Some termite species make nests in the hollow center of the tree root or trunks which makes it a challenge to detect them. However, a visible infestation will show a chunk of of mud on the exterior.
This is an indication of a heavily infested tree and should be dealt with immediately!
Wipeout Pest Control : Effective Termites Treatment
We eradicate these destructive pests with treatment methods such as dusting, baiting and anti-termites soil treatment. Regular inspection and treatment are most definitely essential.
-Dusting method is injected into the tubes or tunnels of termite infestation.
-Slab injection (Post treatment) only for existing buildings
-Pre-construction Soil-treatment.
The soil is chemically treated even before the foundation is laid ensuring built in protection
Spotted the above signs in your home?
Wait no further, Contact us immediately and avoid further damage within your premises!
Need Soil Treatment for preventive measures? Read more about our Soil Treatment services.
Wipeout Pest Control Services Pte Ltd provides Professional, Quality and affordable Pest Control Services and management in Singapore since 1995. Our technicians are certified to carry out and assist you in eradicating all types ofpests.
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