All About Termites: Species & Best Protection

Imagine this scenario: you suspect your home has termites, did a research and symptoms seem like termite infestation. You then made an enquiry and a termite treatment is suggested that costs heavy. After spending a few days with the arrangement and treatment, the biggest nightmare falls on you – it doesn’t seem to work!

While there are many factors which contribute to ineffective treatment, the critical first step in ensuring getting the right termite protection — is the right termite species being identified?

Yes, there are in fact 3 types of termite species, attacking different parts of your home, a “one-size-fits-all” or an “all-in-one” solution might not quite work; depending where is the infestation and affected by which species. Worse of all, signs of termite symptoms are pretty similar to that of carpenter ants and bark beetles — these are also wood furniture damaging pests!

Here are some questions about termites that you need clarify to your pest control company:

I notice damages on my door frames, kitchen cabinets and bedroom wardrobe — first reaction to fixtures spoilage would either go to the renovation/interior design firm or furniture retail for damaged and faulty doors and cabinets. Before you make the complaint, pause and check if it’s a result of drywood termite infestation. Drywood Termites produce moisture as they feed into your fixtures and causes deform and warping effect. This also explains why sometimes you find it difficult to open and close your door!

I see lines or tubes grown on the wall — an Ugly muddy line, which is actually mud tubes are formed on your wall or corner of skirting. It looks unsightly, and you tried scrapping them off, but only to see other parts of your wall started to have presence of these tubes as well. These are Subterranean Termites foraging tubes that are made out of wood and soil for traveling and food sourcing purposes. Taking the fast easy way out to remove these tubes visibly could potentially mean more damaging outcome in time to come.

My wall paint seems to be peeling off with bubbling blobs — Was it the water spillage or leaking pipes that causes paint peel on your flooring or structural surfaces? What if there are no signs or water leaks? Was it a poor paint job? Subterranean Termites are capable of producing moisture as they infest on wood, and as this moisture reaches the wood surface, it causes the pain to bubble and peel. Wood consumption also thins the paint coating, and causing the peeling and damaging effect.

Interesting reading: Is that Water Mark a Signs of Termites Damage?

There are “flying” insects or ants around my window sills and edges — Are they flies or broken wings? Confused if those are ants, flies or other flying insects? The answer is they could be swarms of Subterranean Termites that lands on your window sills as their wings start to shed. This could also mean a possibility of a termite activity. By removing these wings and swarms, does not necessarily eradicating the problem, instead contact a pest control specialist to perform proper inspection and treatment.

The corners of my structure and sills seems to be dusty — Do not ignore even the slightest signs such as presence of “sawdust” which is actually the fecal matter (also known as frass) left behind by Drywood Termites. So do think twice again if you think your home is just getting too dusty because of a poor housekeeping and home maintenance.

Specific termite treatment is designed to address different termite species, infestation level, home design structure and needs. For home owners who spend a lot of investment in the home renovation and design, there are termite treatments that prevent further damage to your structure that gives an assurance of 7 years’ warranty.

Get the right termite protection with Rentokil today!