Treating Termites, Protecting Your Homes
- Jun 20, 2012
Small as they are, termites can cause a series of severe problems for your homes. Hence, before undergoing major home renovations, it is advisable to address your pest control problems right down to the core.
In Singapore, there are two types of termites commonly found in homes: subterranean termites and drywood termites. As their names suggests, drywood termites nest inside dry wood. They are often identified through the existence of holes roughly 5 mm in diameter. These kickout holes are where drywood termites push out their hexagonal fecal pellets. Damage from drywood termites are maze-like tunnels within your home or office’s wooden structures or furniture. These tunnels are only visible only when the veneer cracks – however, by the time the veneer cracks, the damage is already severe.
Subterranean termites are pale in colour. They look somehow similar to ants, except for their pale, whitish colour. Unlike drywood termites that prefer wooden structures, subterranean termites prefer to nest underground, in damp soil. Subterranean termite damage is conceivably similar to water damage. They include buckling of wood, swollen floors or mould and mildew smell. Often times, termites live in homes for long periods of time before the damage is outwardly seen. So it is important to protect your homes by immediately seeking pest control solutions upon the first sign of termite infestation.
In Singapore, there are two types of termite treatments offered to homes: spot treatments and whole structure treatments. Spot treatments usually include applying baits (pieces of paper or foods that are attractive to termites yet contain substances that are lethal to termites) and pesticides (or termiticides that are either repellant or non-repellant) to potential termite entry points. Often, non-repellant pesticides are preferred by pest control companies as they are undetectable to termites, yet are highly toxic.
Whole structure treatments cover heat treatment (applying het to kill drywood termites) and fumigation. Although troublesome as it requires home owners to vacate the house while fumigation is going on, fumigation is deemed as one of the most effective means to get rid of termites.
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