The termites are destructive pests which cause huge damage to the property each year, not only in Singapore but across the globe. Their insatiable appetite for wood is responsible for the damage they cause silently. Furthermore, by the time you realize your home has been infested by termites, it is already too late to do anything about the damage. These tiny insects are capable of causing major structural damage to a property in the short span of just 6 months and can completely destroy a home in as little as a year or two!
The termites feed on wooden structures, furniture, clothes, and paper. It has been said that the termites happen during the early months of spring, which is when your home is at risk! The winged termites leave their nests for mating and starting a new colony, which can perhaps be your home.
What are the various types of termites seen in Singapore?
There are three main categories of termites found in Singapore, the Subterranean Termite, the Dry Wood Termite, and the Damp Wood Termite. They are all usually dark-brown in colour with large mandibles, heads and wings. They tend to feed on soft wood and live in colonies. It is important to remember that they are dependent on moisture for their survival, so try not to let water collect in any area of your house to keep them at bay.
In order to save your property and belongings, it is important to take necessary preventive steps for termite control. Here’s a look at some of the most common termite hotspots and how to prevent the infestation:
- Exterior
Contrary to popular belief, the exteriors are vulnerable to damage caused by termites as well. The exterior primarily consists of the roof and air conditioner unit.
Prevention:
- Repair any broken tiles in the front and back of the house.
- Try not to let any moisture on the roof linger for long periods.
- Ensure that the water release of the air conditioner is a little away from the foundation of the house.
- Attic
The attic is one of the spots in the house that can often go unnoticed for many years. Termites love to find their food and shelter there. A wooden attic containing boxes filled with paper can make for a delicious meal for termites.
Prevention:
- Regularly check the timber to see if it feels spongy by pressing your thumb against it.
- Use plastic boxes for storing the items in your attic.
- Apply a termite spray as a preventive step.
- Living room
An unchecked living room can be a gold mine for termites. The wooden furniture and flooring are prone to termite attack.
Prevention:
- Carry out an inspection of the home at frequent intervals.
- While the building is new, lay down a termite barrier.
- Keep furniture away from the walls.
- Laundry room
This might surprise you but your clothes are as prone to damage as the other items. Clothes are often made of cellulose, which is a termite’s favourite item.
Prevention:
- Try to keep the laundry away from the walls and off the ground in plastic containers.
- Garage
The garage not only offers food to termites, it can also act as a passageway to your home for termites. The storage units and shelves are a good source of food for these tiny pests.
Prevention:
- Place the storage units away from walls.
- Use metal stands in place of wooden stands.
It is always a good idea to get a professional second opinion from pest control services in Singapore when dealing with a potential termite infestation. Termite control problems can be very difficult to solve if you are not equipped with the latest in equipment and chemicals to help get rid of and prevent further infestation. ORIGIN’s Termite Elimination Team offers several termite control and treatment methods to detect, locate and eradicate termites at different stations
