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In some research and DIY tips recommendations, orange oil is said to eliminate termites. This is due to the major and active ingredient found in orange oil extract it contains d-limonene that has the killing element.
However, field study shows the orange oil extract has limited efficacy in termite control, potentially due to its short residual effect. Here are some clarifications on how to kill termites in the orange oil myth
- It serves more as a on the spot treatment “contact killing” function rather than a control function
- It does not provide residual effect for colony management, which is typical subterranean termite infestation build-up effect (A colony in fact contains more than 350,000 termite members!)
- More suitable for Drywood termites, instead of Subterranean termites which are more common in landed homes and properties in Singapore
- No lasting efficacy for assurance and peace of mind. (Termites chew & feed on wood 24 hours daily)
Why is DIY termite control not recommended
There is also a need to address the common misconception that resolving surface infestation (on-spot treatment) is an eradication solution. While it fixes physical problem and remove obvious tangible symptoms, dealing with root source, which is below and within the structure is not resolved.
While DIY is common in managing some common pests that are less challenging such as cockroaches and ants, self-help solutions by using orange oil for termite treatment are highly discouraged.
This is because the orange oil extract is flammable and acidic, which increases combustion risks of fire, putting family and home at health and safety risks. As it is extracted from orange peels, it should not be confused with orange consumptions, particularly if there are kids in the home.
It is important to seek early termite detection
More often, we forget pests travel upwards and sideways. Your home might not be affected or show visible signs of infestation, however because landed homes are usually connected in a cluster or row, your home could be at risks of neighbouring infestation. Seek early home protection is less costly, worry-some and disruptive by reacting to various onsite problems, such as structural damages, cracked walls, collapsed ceilings or presence of unsightly mud tubes on the wall.
Identify signs of termite infestation in your home
While signs of termites are best to detect through professional termite specialist where they make use of Microwave Technology to trace termite movements, there are some visible signs we can take note. This includes the mud tubes grown on the wall, presence of infested wood and logs in the garden, cracked and damaged walls, saw dust accumulating on the surfaces and blobs of the wallpaper or flooring. You may also notice flying insects (flying termites) or called as swarmers which is a sign of termite infestation as they mate and build new colonies.
What are the various termite control options?
For adequate and long-term protection, you may opt for the termiticide injection method where barriers are built around the home to prevent termite entries. The active ingredient aims to stop termites from feeding, while spreading the solution to the workers thus eliminating the colony as quick as a few months. The other option is to detect, lure and bait where baiting units are inserted into the ground to detect termite activities before replacing with active ingredient to control the colony. There are cheaper and quicker alternatives where contact treatments at localised areas and conducted to remove infested parts of the home. However, this may involve multiple injections and depending on the termite infestation level, the control efficacy may be minimal.
Engage in long term and safe termite control solutions
If your home is already infested, learn how to eliminate termites with advanced solutions that are eco-friendly and safe, and besides addressing existing termite infestation, it also prevents termites from causing further damage to your home. A 7 years warranty is provided to give home owners the additional assurance and peace of mind along with the termite treatment.
Learn more about other interesting pest myths here or call us at (65) 63478138
Yet to most home owners, they tend to get confused between ants and termites! What do termites look like and how do we easily differentiate between termites or ants that are crawling in your home? Read more here!
Frequently asked questions about termites
Can I remove termites with insecticide effectively?
While insecticides can get rid of physical termites, they are still short-term and localised remedies and might not eliminate termite infestation. In addition, as termites live underground or found within structures, it is difficult to reach to the colony with your DIY termite eradication methods. Termites also infest in furniture and frames, and require proper penetration in order to treat the hidden termites. Professional termite specialists are equipped with the right tools and technology to apply termite treatment effectively and efficiently.
What are the types of termites in Singapore?
There are three species of termites found in Singapore commonly:
- Subterranean termites: They are typically found in the soil where they require moisture and feed on wood 24/7 daily. They usually enter homes through mud tunnels from the soil. The coptotermes species are known to be the most destructive in Singapore.
- Drywood termites: Normally found in timber used in building, or furniture, frames and beams made of treated wood. While they are not as destructive as subterranean termites, they are often harder to get rid of while causing costly damages to the home furnishings.
- Dampwood termites: Often found in gardens, this species feast on trees and rotten wood, logs and trunks. They are less common in Singapore as compared to Subterranean and Drywood termite; however, it is possible to result in a Dampwood infestation with poor landscaping conditions.
As these termite species respond to treatments differently, do engage with a professional pest control company as they can provide targeted termite control solutions to tackle termite infestations effectively.
Why are termites essential to eliminate quickly?
As termites feast on the wood in your homes and burrow within the walls, they are capable of causing extensive structural damage. Not only does that presents a safety hazard to you and your loved ones, but it also reduces the property value of your homes. In addition, the recovery and rectification of the damages caused by termite infestation can be costly and time consuming. As such, once you notice presence of termite activities in your home, it is crucial to engage with a professional pest control service in Singapore in order to treat the problem early with lesser disruption and financial impact.
How to know if I have termites in my home?
Here are a few signs of a termite infestation that you should look out:
- Discarded wings on windowsills and floors by flying termites or alates
- Hollow-sounding wood or parts where the wood looks a little swollen
- Mud tunnels along the exterior and interior walls of a building
- Dusty surfaces that are actually termite droppings
- Damaged or cracked walls and weakened structures
Can termites spread from one home to another?
Yes. Termites can spread from one place to another through the following means:
- Through Alates: They are the offspring of the termite queen who leave the parent colony to establish new colonies elsewhere
- Through infested wood. Drywood termites burrow in treated wood and are transported from one part to another - especially through second-hand or infested furniture.
- Through mud tubes: Subterranean termites made use of the tunnels to travel upwards and sideways to source for food
- Through connecting structures: Termites infested outdoor can enter into homes through a link way where there is presence of mulch, rotten planks, infested flooring and logs.
- Through holes and openings: Homes with compromised home integrity with presence of cracks and crevices are at risk of pest entries and cross infestation.
Subsequently, you should always look out for signs of termites and especially inspect your wood furniture, walls and structures for them. Professional termite control offers proper and accurate termite inspection by using Microwave Technology to scan for presence of termite activities.
What is the price of termite control in Singapore?
The price of termite control in Singapore is influenced by three factors:
- Type of termite species infesting your home
- Choice of termite treatment such as baiting, localisation or injection
- Size and scope of the area to be treated for the infestation
- Different options of active ingredient ranging from general to eco-green solutions
- Additional services including inspection, monitoring and reporting
- Number of warranties extended for the particular treatment
It is important to evaluate a few options of the pest control company, by finding out on their brand credibility, customer satisfaction, and years of pest control expertise.
Informative and gave good advice "The staff was very informative on the white ants problem and gave good advice on how to detect and prevent infestation."
- Mr Peter Mealin, Residential Customer
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