Termites are small bugs that eat wood and will silently ruin the pillars in your building without you knowing. Notably, with Singapore’s tropical high humidity and frequent rain, termite infestation is common and is a serious threat to properties.
However, early detection and prevention of such pests, with follow-up repairs following infestation, are crucial.
Therefore, in this article, we are going to provide you with information on how to identify termite infestation before it causes extensive damage. Also, we will discuss ways to prevent them.
Vital Signs of Termite Infestation
Termite identification is not just a matter of vigilance but an active step in protecting your property. The following are the main signs to look out for:
1. Mud Tubes: Termites construct thin mud tubes on floors, walls, or slabs. The mud tubes are sheltered pathways that guide food sources to their colony. Therefore, you can look for them even outside walls or in hidden areas, such as basements.
3. Termite Feces: Drywood termites produce granular, brown-colored pellets of fecal material that resemble sawdust. Therefore, if you see such pest feces, it might be a sign of termite infestation.
4. Shed Wings: Flying termites shed their wings when they swarm. Therefore, wings on doors and windowsills in piles indicate the presence of a nearby termite colony.
5. Warped boards, sagging ceiling, or blistering paint: Although these signs are the same to water damage, they are most commonly signs of moisture buildup as a result of termite infestation.
Termite Infestation Preventive Measures
Termite Prevention is an important step. Importantly, to successfully keep away the termites, you must eliminate the conducive conditions. Some of the ways to prevent the termite infestation include:
- Moisture Control: Termites are attracted by water. Fix dripping pipes, ensure good drainage, and ventilate wet areas, such as attics and basements. In particular, inspect the roof and downpipe leaks regularly.
- Proper Use of Wood Structures: Avoid wood-to-soil contact in your structures. Most importantly, use termite-proof materials, such as wood treated or concrete, for structure construction frames and foundations. Also, remove wooden debris, such as logs or mulch, and dispose of them far away from your property.
- Seal Points of Pest Entry: Termites can even penetrate tiny cracks in walls or foundations. Therefore, seal the openings around doors, windows, and utility pipes to prevent them.
- Annual Inspections: Plan yearly professional inspections. Usually, professional pest management specialists use the most recent technology to detect hidden termite activity, even before it manifests itself as noticeable warning signs. These inspections involve a thorough examination of your property, focusing on dimly lit, damp places and woodwork areas.
Why Professional Termite Control is a Must
Though do-it-yourself homemade termite treatments, such as soapy water traps for flying termites, provide temporary relief, they do not work towards eliminating entire colonies. Professional pest control actions, on the other hand, offer a permanent solution. Notably, the professional pest control experts use several termite control methods, including:
- Baiting Systems: Pest control professionals place baits in strategic positions to kill off termites and their colonies.
- Soil Treatment: Termites are killed and prevented from getting near and in properties by spraying chemicals.
- Reactive termite Treatments: Technicians apply foaming or dust treatment to kill drywood termites in structures.
- Monitoring and regular inspections: Professionals provide ongoing monitoring to detect any instances of termite infestation, protecting your property.
Conclusion
Although termite infestation in buildings is prevalent in Singapore, with early detection and preventive measures, you can effectively keep them out of your building. Mainly, if you detect the signs early enough and go to the professionals for appropriate treatment, you can avoid the costly repairs.
So, don’t delay. Call us and book a termite inspection today. We will assess the situation and take the appropriate measures to ensure your home is free of termites.
Lastly, to learn more about the termite control treatments suitable for your termite infestation case, contact our experts. We offer proven high-quality termite treatments. Also, we continue to monitor and treat your property if termites return, ensuring your home remains free of termites.
