Termites are probably the biggest problem you can have while maintaining your home. Commonly referred to as ‘White Ants’, termites are far from the ant family. Termites have evolved from the cockroaches and live as a colony ranging from a few hundred to millions in one colony alone. The most daunting problem of all is that their queens have the longest life cycles than any other insect, living up to 20 to 50 years on average, with the colony always protecting the queen. This ultimately requires complete eradication of the termite infestation from your homes.
In this article, we will cover five easy-to-spot ways to identify such a termite infestation and signs of termites in your homes, along with the best termite treatment available and termite control methods Singapore has to offer.
Termites typically feed on cellulose, generally in everyday materials humans use like wood, paper, cardboard, and cotton. Having minimal natural predators for termites in most homes, termites can cause major destruction to wooden furniture, fittings, structures, and the sanctity of your home.
There are over 3000 species of termites on this planet. They are small in size, measuring 4-15 mm in length, with the queen being upwards of 10 cm in length. They are blind and communicate through chemical, pheromonal, and physical means such as banging their heads on the ground and walls.
5 Easy To Spot Signs Of Termite Infestation In Your Home
- Disposed Wings
Broken wings that have been disposed of are typically one of the earliest signs of a Subterranean Termite infestation. Through their lifecycle, termites grow wings to travel from their nests to infiltrate a new place and create a colony. Upon successful infiltration, they dispose of their wings as they're no longer needed. Although it is not easy to spot if you have termites at home, flying termites are one of the clearest signs of a termite problem! The flying termites will be drawn to any light sources around the home.
- Mud Tubes
Where fresh mud tubes are found there are most definitely termites. This is because subterranean termites nest underground and forage up to find food. These termites require a certain temperature and humidity levels to survive. These mud tubes help to protect them from harsh environmental factors. Sometimes, you may see old, dried-up mud tubes that may no longer be active, and they can be mistaken with newly built mud tubes. It is good to seek professional help for an inspection to confirm this.
- Hollowed Wood or Damaged Wood
Termites generally feed on wood, hollowing it out from the inside. To check for their presence, tap on your wooden furnishing, and if it sounds hollow, It indicates signs of termite damage and a termite infestation in your homes. In addition, damp or decomposing wood also acts as a breeding ground for subterranean termites.
- Damaged Paint and Blisters
Blistering is also a possible sign of termite damage and infestation. Degradation of your painted walls and bubbling up, due to damage of the paint itself is caused due to building up of water or moisture in them. And this can happen because of one of two possible reasons: water damage such as leakage in pipes, and second, a termite infestation.
- Frass or Droppings
Termite frass or termite droppings is also proof of termites but not for Subterranean Termites but for Drywood Termites. Drywood termites create colonies inside the wood, and when they make burrows and ingest through your precious furniture, they defecate powdery round wooden pellets, usually seen near the same piece of furniture. It can be found at any place where there is wood in the home. It is minuscule, often resembling wood shavings or sawdust, and it is easy to confuse one with the other.
Read More >> A Complete Guide to Handling Termites in the Garden
ORIGIN Exterminators provides uniquely catered solutions that operate on their long-standing experience dealing with termites, understanding behavior patterns of the pests in question along with non-hazardous and safe pesticides to protect your property from termites. ORIGIN Exterminators are also specialists in controlling Cockroaches, Bed Bugs, Mosquitoes, Rodents, Flies, and other pests.
Conclusion
If you ever see such signs of termite infestation in your homes, it is crucial to call for the best possible help. Termite treatment is a critical investment needed for home maintenance. ORIGIN Exterminators is the best termite control company, Singapore has to offer.
